Jaci McDole
Executive Director, Copyright and Creativity, Global Innovation Policy Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
July 08, 2026
As fans all over the world tune in to this summer’s soccer matches, there has never been a better time to discuss the importance of safeguarding the intellectual property (IP) that makes these global sporting events possible.
IP is the firewall that protects businesses and consumers from pirate sites, illegitimate retransmissions, and counterfeit goods, many of which are often connected to criminal enterprises. Organized crime operations profit from advertisements on their sites and defrauding consumers, cycling funds into other illicit activities like illegal trafficking. Using well-known brands and logos, they lure consumers into phishing schemes. And the cheap quality of counterfeit goods could come with mortal risks.
In March, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy (NML), an annual report that identifies physical and online marketplaces engaging in or facilitating substantial IP rights violations. Each year, the NML highlights one particular concern related to IP enforcement. This year’s “Issue Focus” is dedicated to sports broadcasting.
The Chamber’s October submission to USTR addressed how IP is critical to U.S. economic development and competitiveness, referencing a recent Chamber study showing that more than $5 trillion in existing IP supported American jobs in 2024. Another report shows that U.S. copyright industries contribute $3.37 trillion in GDP, with the global creative economy valued at $12 trillion. The 2025 NML zooms in further, stating “[t]he worldwide sports broadcast rights market was valued at approximately $62.6 billion in 2024.”
With so much at stake, digital piracy poses a significant threat. According to the NML, illegal sports streaming cost the industry approximately $28 billion in lost revenue in 2023. But the economy isn’t the only thing at risk. In 2024, an estimated 84% of illegal sports streams in the U.S. were laced with malware, spyware, or tracking software, and a 2025 Chamber post highlighted reports that indicated:
- 8 out of 10 pirate sites serve up malware-ridden ads to their users.
- Piracy operators generate an estimated $121 million in revenue by enabling malvertisers to victimize their users.
- More than half of that revenue ($68.3 million) comes from American consumers alone.
IP protection is key to America’s competitiveness and a critical tool for our sports leagues to combat the massive financial and safety risks posed by counterfeit merchandise and illicit streaming.
Professional sports leagues assist federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Department of Justice’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), among others, to disable pirate websites and intercept fake products that drain team revenue and endanger fans.
The sports and entertainment industry drives economic growth nationwide—sparking local investment, supporting small businesses and energizing communities. As major events create opportunities for cities across America, the U.S. Chamber champions the businesses that bring these moments to life.
Recently, these agencies have employed more concerted efforts to enforce IP rights during major sporting events, such as Operation Offsides and Operation Team Player. In 2025, federal agents seized $33 million worth of fake NFL items, including approximately 300,000 items such as jerseys, hats, and championship rings. Beyond financial loss, counterfeit goods often fail safety standards. A 2026 study found that 41% of tested counterfeit apparel and footwear failed product safety tests, often containing hazardous materials or dyes.
In preparation for this summer’s tournament, the U.S. deployed an unprecedented legal and enforcement framework to protect the tournament's multi-billion-dollar commercial ecosystem. The implications of IP protection extend beyond simple brand ownership, fundamentally shaping how businesses, host cities, and fans interact with the event. Host cities will enforce "clean zones" around stadiums; remove unauthorized signage, flyers, or merchandise; and ensure that airspace is entirely free of unauthorized advertising, such as skywriting or drone-based marketing. Broadcasters and brands are moving beyond simple takedowns to real-time session disruption.
In the 2025 NML, USTR identified 37 online markets and 32 physical markets engaged in activities that undermine copyright and trademark protection. The report calls on trading partners to:
- Fully implement the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty to provide creators with clearer, more consistent safeguards across markets.
- Foster operational cooperation among enforcement agencies.
- Conduct cross-border investigations, multilateral meetings, and joint training programs.
- Strengthen copyright protections in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
By highlighting the growing threats of counterfeit goods and illicit streaming, USTR affirms that IP protection and enforcement are a priority in its global trade agenda.
The Chamber applauds these efforts and remains steadfast in its dedication to working with the Administration to advance policies that protect the American economy and our workers, businesses, and consumers.
From the Global IP Summit and the International IP Index to World IP Day and beyond, we will continue addressing the intersection of sports and IP throughout 2026. Join us on September 17th for The Anti-Piracy Playbook: Rewriting Policy Assumptions in the Age of Digital Crime. By ensuring a stronger, more resilient IP framework for the future, we keep America at the top of its game.
