UPDATE: The notorious illegal sports streaming network, Streameast, has been dismantled following a stunning 1.6 billion visits over the past year, according to an announcement from the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) on Wednesday. This urgent action, taken in collaboration with Egyptian authorities, marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against digital piracy.
The ACE confirmed that Streameast was the largest illicit live sports streaming operation globally, operating through 80 associated domains. “Today, ACE scored a resounding victory in its fight to detect, deter, and dismantle criminal perpetrators of digital piracy,” stated Charles Rivkin, ACE chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association. He emphasized the importance of this action for sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans alike.
Streameast illegally offered viewers access to top European soccer leagues and other major sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Over the last two decades, piracy in soccer has surged as leagues increasingly sell broadcasting rights to multiple high-priced services, often forcing fans to subscribe to several platforms.
“This dismantling is a major victory for everyone who invests in and relies on the live sports ecosystem,” said Ed McCarthy, chief operating officer of DAZN. He highlighted how this criminal operation undermined the value of sports at every level and jeopardized fans worldwide. McCarthy praised the collaboration of ACE and Egyptian authorities in this decisive action.
With the shutdown, all Streameast domains now redirect users to ACE’s “Watch Legally” page, providing a legitimate alternative for sports viewing. The shutdown is expected to have far-reaching implications, reducing illegal access to live sports and reinforcing the importance of legal streaming services.
As sports piracy continues to be a pressing issue, the ACE’s latest victory is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of sports broadcasting. This landmark action serves as a warning to other illegal operations, signaling that authorities are cracking down on digital piracy and prioritizing the rights of creators and fans alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as the implications of this shutdown unfold across the sports broadcasting landscape.