DAZN, a global streaming service that broadcasts live sports, has taken significant steps in combating illegal streaming. The platform, which launched in June 2015, offers coverage for a variety of sports across more than 200 countries. One of the primary areas of focus for DAZN has been boxing. In 2018, they entered a major deal with Matchroom Boxing to air 16 fights in the US, reportedly worth around £740 million. This partnership was extended in 2021 for another five years. In 2025, DAZN also secured broadcasting rights for Frank Warren’s Queensberry boxing events. Though DAZN does not have the rights to broadcast Premier League football in the UK, it has expanded its reach significantly in Europe, showing English Premier League matches in countries like Spain and Portugal.
Despite its success, DAZN has been grappling with the growing problem of illegal streaming. Piracy has become a significant issue for sports broadcasters worldwide, and DAZN has been actively seeking solutions. In early 2025, the company took a firm stance against illegal streaming by pursuing legal action to block websites and IPTV platforms that were distributing pirated content. A key moment in this effort came when DAZN managed to secure an unprecedented court order to shut down a large number of these illegal streaming services in Belgium.
As part of the crackdown, Belgian internet service providers (ISPs), including Proximus, Telenet, Orange Belgium, and Voo, began blocking access to over 100 illegal streaming sites and five IPTV platforms. This action followed a change in Belgian law in 2022 that required ISPs to block infringing websites at their own expense. The law also applies to internet platforms like Cloudflare, Google, and Cisco, which must comply or face substantial fines.
DAZN’s research highlighted the extent of the piracy problem in Belgium, especially among young people. It was reported that a third of Belgians aged 16 to 24 used illegal streams to watch football, which in turn caused broadcasters to lose around £180 million annually in potential revenue. This loss has been a significant concern for sports rights holders, and DAZN is one of the companies pushing for stronger action against piracy.
Tom Burrows, DAZN’s head of global rights, discussed the issue of piracy in February 2025 at The Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit. He explained that piracy and illegal streams had become a major problem for the sports rights industry. Burrows even stated that the situation had reached a crisis point, with media-rights deals being undermined by the growing prevalence of illegal streams. He went on to suggest that the concept of exclusive broadcasting rights could become increasingly irrelevant as piracy continued to thrive. In the past, broadcasters absorbed the financial losses caused by piracy, but Burrows warned that this practice could no longer continue. If a solution to the piracy issue is not found, he argued, it is the sports themselves that would ultimately suffer.
This is not the first time DAZN has taken action against illegal streaming services. Over the years, the platform has been at the forefront of efforts to protect its content and ensure that it can continue to offer exclusive coverage of live sports. DAZN’s move to block illegal streams is part of a larger trend within the sports broadcasting industry, as more companies realize the severe impact piracy has on their business. The loss of revenue from illegal streams not only hurts broadcasters financially but also reduces the funds available to invest in future sports coverage and programming.
The issue of illegal streaming has become a global one, with countries around the world grappling with how to enforce copyright laws in the digital age. Some countries have implemented stricter regulations, while others have struggled to keep up with the ever-evolving methods used by pirates to distribute illegal streams. In Europe, efforts to combat piracy have gained traction, with several nations taking steps similar to Belgium’s to block illegal streaming sites and platforms. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still a topic of debate, as pirates often find ways to circumvent blocks and continue their operations.
DAZN’s actions in Belgium are part of a broader strategy to protect its content and secure its position in the competitive sports broadcasting market. As more people turn to illegal streams for free access to live sports, the need for stronger enforcement and more effective solutions has never been greater. DAZN, along with other sports broadcasters, has a vested interest in ensuring that piracy does not undermine the value of its broadcasting rights and the revenue generated from them.
The legal battle against piracy is just one aspect of the ongoing challenges faced by sports broadcasters. As technology continues to advance, so too do the methods used by pirates to distribute illegal streams. The rise of streaming devices like the Fire Stick and the increasing popularity of IPTV platforms have made it easier for individuals to access pirated content. This has further complicated efforts to curb illegal streaming, as these devices and platforms are often difficult to track and shut down.
DAZN’s move to block illegal streams in Belgium is a significant step in the fight against piracy, but it is unlikely to be the last. The company is likely to continue exploring other avenues to protect its content, including pursuing legal action in other countries and working with international law enforcement agencies to target illegal streaming networks. In addition, DAZN will likely continue to invest in technology that can help detect and block illegal streams more effectively.
While DAZN’s actions in Belgium may be seen as a victory in the battle against piracy, they also highlight the larger issue facing the sports broadcasting industry. The problem of illegal streaming is not confined to one country or region but is a global phenomenon. As the demand for live sports content continues to grow, so too does the pressure on broadcasters to protect their intellectual property and maintain the value of their rights. If piracy continues to thrive unchecked, it could have serious consequences for the future of sports broadcasting, potentially leading to higher subscription costs for consumers and fewer opportunities for broadcasters to secure exclusive rights to major sporting events.
In conclusion, DAZN’s recent success in obtaining a court order to block illegal sports streams and IPTV platforms is an important milestone in the ongoing fight against piracy. However, it is only one part of a much larger battle. As the problem of illegal streaming continues to evolve, sports broadcasters will need to work together and explore new solutions to protect their content and ensure the future of live sports broadcasting. The outcome of this ongoing battle will have far-reaching implications for the industry, and it is clear that DAZN, along with other broadcasters, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sports media.
