Notorious piracy network had 1.6 billion visits in a year before takedown
Streameast, the most popular illegal sports streaming platform in the world, has been shut down after a year-long investigation involving global authorities. The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a U.S.-based anti-piracy coalition backed by major media giants including Amazon, Netflix, and Warner Bros., confirmed the shutdown in partnership with Egyptian law enforcement. The operation not only removed Streameast’s 80 active domains but also led to the arrest of two suspects in Egypt and the seizure of cash, crypto, and electronic equipment.
The takedown marks one of the largest anti-piracy actions in live sports history, disrupting a network that drew over 136 million monthly visits and more than 1.6 billion total visits in the past year. Streameast’s sites carried free streams of the world’s top competitions — from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS to European football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. Fans also used the platform to watch the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup qualifiers, Formula 1, MotoGP, and major pay-per-view boxing and MMA events.
What happens if I open Streameast?
According to ACE, all Streameast domains will now redirect users to its “Watch Legally” page, promoting official streaming platforms. Charles Rivkin, chairman of ACE and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, called the move a “resounding victory” against piracy. “With this landmark action, we have put more points on the board for sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans worldwide,” Rivkin said.
What authorities found
During raids in El-Sheikh Zaid, west of Cairo, police confiscated three laptops, four smartphones, ten Visa cards containing about $123,000, plus nearly $200,000 in cryptocurrency. Investigators also uncovered a shell company in the United Arab Emirates that had been used to launder advertising revenues totaling over £4.9 million ($6.2 million) since 2010. Authorities believe real estate in Egypt was also purchased with illicit funds.
LeBron James clip put spotlight on Streameast
The platform made headlines last year when NBA star LeBron James was caught on video using Streameast courtside during a Lakers game. The viral clip raised fears among fans that the site’s growing visibility would bring authorities’ attention — which now appears to have come true.
Copycat sites already appearing
While Streameast’s original domains are no longer active, users on Reddit claim new copycat platforms are emerging, some even using the Streameast name.
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Piracy problem continues
A 2025 survey by Brand Finance revealed that 43% of fans across 13 countries considered using illegal streams rather than paying for official broadcasts. In the U.K., separate prosecutions have also taken place: in July, Stephen Woodward was sentenced to three years in prison for running three streaming sites in Yorkshire that generated more than £1 million. His brother was also jailed for money laundering tied to the operation.
What this means for sports fans
The fall of Streameast shows how international cooperation can dismantle even the biggest piracy networks. But it also highlights the demand for free access to sports, as millions of fans continue to turn to unofficial streams. While rights holders and authorities step up enforcement, the challenge of piracy in the sports world is far from over.
Where to watch legally for free
Fans looking for safe alternatives don’t have to turn to risky copycat sites. Several platforms provide free and legal sports streaming, although coverage varies by region:
- Pluto TV (Global): Free, ad-supported channels such as CBS Sports HQ, Fox Sports, and Stadium.
- CBS Sports HQ (US): 24/7 live sports news, highlights, and select events on the CBS Sports app and website.
- Stadium (US): Free streaming of college sports, live talk shows, and highlights.
- BBC iPlayer (UK, with TV licence): Free streams of Wimbledon, Six Nations Rugby, Olympics, and Premier League highlights.
- ITVX (UK): Free coverage of England football internationals, horse racing, and other select sports.
- Channel 4 (UK): Free streams of some rugby, horse racing, and motorsports.
- Red Bull TV (Global): Free access to extreme sports, cycling, and motorsports.
- Local broadcasters (varies by country): Networks like ABC (US), CBC (Canada), or DD Sports (India) often carry free-to-air live sports.
