Jaci McDole
Executive Director, Copyright and Creativity, Global Innovation Policy Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Senior Director, Intellectual Property Enforcement, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
July 29, 2026
Major sporting events showcase athletic excellence, but they also attract bad actors seeking to profit from global audiences and intellectual property (IP) theft. The most effective response has been a growing network of public-private partnerships that brings together rightsholders, technology companies, online platforms, and law enforcement agencies. These behind-the-scenes teams are hard at work protecting the intellectual property that powers modern sports.
Recent enforcement successes highlight what coordinated action can achieve. Federal authorities partnered with the private sector to seize more than 1,000 domains used for illegal streaming, while CBP officers worked closely with trademark owners to intercept millions of dollars in counterfeit merchandise at numerous ports of entry, including Florida, Indiana, New York, Ohio, and Texas.
Researchers have also uncovered a new generation of event-related fraud. According to the Boston Globe and Recorded Future, criminals infiltrated legitimate e-commerce sites, hijacked online advertisements, and redirected fans to convincing look-alike stores selling merchandise, tickets and more. Criminal groups demonstrated quick adaptability, leveraging AI tools to create more persuasive social media posts, phishing messages, and multilingual scams. These schemes steal more than sales, harvesting payment information, personal data, and credentials for broader criminal activity.
But the broader lesson extends beyond the number of domains seized or jerseys intercepted. Public-private partnerships enable faster information sharing, better risk identification, and a more strategic use of resources. Rightsholders provide expertise on trademarks, copyrights, and authentic products. Enforcement agencies contribute investigative authority and global networks. Technology companies and marketplaces help detect and remove infringing content before it reaches consumers. The finance sector can help identify fraudulent sites and stop payments before they go through.
These partnerships also protect more than commercial interests. Counterfeit merchandise can expose consumers to unsafe materials and fund criminal enterprises. Illegal streaming operations monetize piracy through fraud, malware, and other cyber-enabled crimes. By working together, public and private stakeholders help safeguard fans, support legitimate businesses, and preserve the value that sports generate for local economies and communities.
As sports piracy, counterfeiting, and online fraud continue to converge, the most effective defense will be a united one. Join us at the Chamber on September 17, 2026, to discuss these public-private partnerships and how we can work together for a better future.
About the authors
Jaci McDole
Jaci McDole is Executive Director of Copyright and Creativity for the Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Adam Sulewski
Adam Sulewski is Senior Director, Intellectual Property Enforcement, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center.
