In this episode of StreamTime Sports, Nick Meacham is joined by Adam Leventhal, senior writer and broadcaster at The Athletic, to explore the complex and growing issue of illegal sports streaming. Adam shares insights from his extensive investigation into piracy, discussing its cultural impact, criminal networks, and the potential crisis it poses to sports broadcasting. This in-depth conversation sheds light on how fans, media companies, and leagues are navigating the digital age of streaming piracy.
Key Points:
- What role do fans play in the widespread acceptance of piracy?
- How has illegal streaming evolved from physical distribution to fire sticks, apps, and VPN-powered digital access?
- Why is piracy so difficult for broadcasters and rights holders to combat effectively?
- How does the UK’s 3PM blackout contribute to illegal streaming—and is change on the horizon?
- What global trends and market forces are driving piracy, and what can be done to tackle the issue on an international scale?