The world’s largest illegal sports streaming network, Streameast, has been shut down following a year-long investigation, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment announced. The U.S.-based anti-piracy coalition, which includes 50 leading media and entertainment companies such as Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV+, and Paramount, partnered with Egyptian authorities to dismantle the operation.
Streameast operated across 80 unauthorized domains and generated an estimated 1.6 billion visits over the past year. The platform offered free access to top global sports, including Europe’s Premier League and Champions League, the NFL, NBA, MLB, pay-per-view boxing, MMA, and Formula One. Average monthly traffic reached 136 million visits, with the majority originating from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Philippines, and Germany.
Charles Rivkin, chairman of ACE and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, called the takedown “a resounding victory in the fight to detect, deter, and dismantle criminal perpetrators of digital piracy.” Rivkin added that the operation protected sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans worldwide. While sending a clear message to other piracy networks.
According to the New York Times, during the raid in El-Sheikh Zaid, Giza Governorate, Egypt, two men were arrested on suspicion of copyright infringement and detained. Authorities seized laptops, smartphones, cash, and multiple credit cards. Investigators also discovered a shell company in the UAE allegedly used to launder £4.9 million ($6.2 million) in advertising revenue since 2010, alongside £150,000 ($200,000) in cryptocurrency. Real estate in Egypt is also suspected to have been purchased with illicit earnings.
Ed McCarthy, COO of DAZN Group and part of ACE’s collaboration, described Streameast as “a criminal operation siphoning value from sports at every level and putting fans at risk globally.” The platform had previously drawn attention when LeBron James was spotted via social media watching an NBA game courtside through Streameast in 2024. This sparked concerns about potential shutdowns among fans.
“We congratulate ACE on this landmark enforcement action. Piracy is not a victimless crime. It undermines the entire sports economy, from rights holders and leagues to athletes and fans. The success of this operation proves that with strong international cooperation and robust enforcement. No illegal network is beyond reach. beIN MEDIA GROUP is proud to stand with ACE in continuing to pursue and dismantle criminal piracy operations wherever they exist,” said Cameron Andrews, Legal Director, Anti-Piracy for beIN MEDIA GROUP.
While Streameast’s main domain is inactive, copycat and backup sites have emerged, claiming to continue the service. ACE is monitoring these sites and investigating any connections.
The crackdown reflects broader global efforts to combat digital piracy. According to a 2025 survey by Brand Finance, 43% of respondents across 13 countries admitted to using unofficial streams rather than paying for live sports, highlighting the ongoing challenge facing leagues, content providers, and law enforcement worldwide.
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