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I wanted to discuss today about various live-streaming websites that have been seized for copyright
infringement of sporting events. In the past year there have been numerous sites that offer a live stream
to Internet users wanting to watch their favorite sports team. For someone that wishes not to pay for
cable this is definitely a great way to watch sports or even your favorite t.v. show or movie. The
problem is the legality involved with this, due to the fact that this method of viewing is considered
pirated and illegal viewing of sporting events.
This past year prior to the Super Bowl ten popular video streaming websites were shutdown due to
copyright infringement. The argument behind this is the illegal streaming of professional sporting events
over the Internet financially hurts leagues and broadcasters who then must increase tickets prices and
pay-per-view events to compensate for their losses. I see where law enforcement partners are coming
from to protect copyrighted material but speaking from personal experience using these various sites; I
still think it is not fair. The sports industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and they are worried about
fans watching a free stream of their favorite sports team. I feel by letting fans watch the event this can
drive up revenue in other areas such as apparel, beer/alcohol, and increase popularity for that specific
team.
The government has actively been shutting down these streams during NFL Sunday, which I too have
experienced. You would be lucky nowadays to even get 5 minutes of a game before the site is shut
down, as they have been getting stricter on live streams of sporting events. Another tactic the
government is employing is asking domain names to be forfeited and users are being re-directed to a
banner stating the sites have been seized due to copyright infringement. It seems that the only option is
to either get cable or watch the game at a friend’s house or bar. Eventually a person will give in and end
up getting cable, which is directly tied to sports franchises, which ultimately will increase revenue for
these leagues.
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