NBA, NFL, and UFC Collaborate to Combat Illegal Streaming, Call for Government Intervention
Illegal streaming has posed a significant challenge for professional sports, including the NBA. In a united effort to address this issue, the NBA has joined forces with the NFL and UFC to engage with the U.S. government. These prominent sports organizations are urging the update of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), a law established back in 1998 during the Clinton administration.
To tackle live streaming piracy effectively, the NBA, UFC, and NFL have penned a letter to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), emphasizing their willingness to assist and update the existing law. The letter emphasizes the need for the DMCA to ensure the instantaneous or near-instantaneous removal of live content.
According to Engadget.com, the global sports industry has suffered losses of up to $28 billion due to illegal streaming activities. By amending the law, the NBA, NFL, and UFC aim to expedite the takedown of these illicit live streams, particularly as technology continues to advance.
The letter jointly composed by the NBA, NFL, and UFC highlights that many online service providers (OSPs) often take hours or even days to remove infringing content, even in response to takedown notices. This delay allows illegal live content to remain accessible during critical moments or entire events like a UFC fight or an NBA or NFL game.
Illicit streaming methods have evolved alongside technological advancements, providing a convenient alternative for individuals who prefer not to pay for subscriptions. Unfortunately, this has become a profitable venture for those infringing upon sports property rights.
In their joint letter, the NBA, NFL, and UFC assert that illegal streamers have been able to operate for extended periods, sometimes removing content days after a broadcast. Such delays result in significant financial losses for the sports organizations, as illegal streamers profit from content that rightfully belongs to them.
Moving forward, the sports properties urge the government to act swiftly and update the law to ensure the rapid takedown of illegal live streams. With a dedicated focus on improving response times, this collaborative effort seeks to protect the interests of sports organizations and uphold the rights of content creators.
In summary, the NBA, NFL, and UFC have banded together to combat the pervasive issue of illegal streaming. By calling for the necessary updates to the DMCA, these sports organizations aim to enhance the effectiveness of takedown procedures and minimize the financial impact of piracy on the global sports industry. Their collective efforts prioritize the urgent removal of infringing content, thereby safeguarding the revenue streams derived from legitimate broadcasting and subscription services.
