In UK law there are 'Protected events' that have to be on free to air live (but PPV can share), which are Olympics and Paralympics (summer and winter), World Cup Finals, UEFA Euro Finals, FA Cup Final, Scottish Cup Final (Scotland only), Grand National, Epsom Derby, Rugby League Challenge Cup final, Rugby World Cup Final, and there are also 'Category B' which must have highlights or delayed broadcast on free to air, which is IAAF and IPC World Athletics Championships, Ryder Cup, The Open golf, Test matches in cricket envolving England, Cricket World cup final, semi-finals, and home nations matches, Rugby World Cup matches (not the final) Six Nations matches involving the home nations, Wimbledon (not the finals), and Commonwealth games.
I find a way, don't worry, even if it takes me months I manage to watch them.