When stars from different sports align, it often creates heartwarming moments. Yet, when the titans of these fields unite, the story takes a different turn. How? Well, we’ve seen how promotions and leagues change hands swiftly. Many times, such organizations come together to create new history. In a similar move, Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner, and Dana White, the UFC’s head honcho, have recently combined their forces, sending ripples through the world of sports.
The NBA Commissioner and the UFC President have joined hands, not for a spectacle in the arena, but to tackle a growing menace – piracy. With a staggering $28 billion revenue loss looming over the sports industry, Silver and White are determined to wage war against those who seek to profit through illicit means. So, how is their collaboration going to affect the future of these world-famous organizations?
Dana White and Co. join hands with the NBA and NFL to end piracy
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Over the years, illegal streaming of sporting events has surged – posing a serious threat to the revenues of sports organizations. These unauthorized streams allow viewers to bypass subscription fees, thus contributing to a significant loss in revenue. The NBA, UFC, and NFL – three of the most prominent American sports organizations, have now united with a common goal – to curb piracy and protect their revenues.
BREAKING: The NBA, NFL, and UFC are planning to rewrite DMCA laws in order to shut down illegal livestreams “instantaneously”, per @verge.
The sports industry reportedly loses up to $28 billion in potential annual revenue due to illegal streams. pic.twitter.com/2LXX7xsdPK
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 29, 2023
Notably, in a letter addressed to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the NBA, UFC, and NFL jointly advocated for swifter action against piracy. They underlined that the delay in taking down illegal streams has resulted in a colossal loss of potential annual revenue – a staggering $28 billion. As Adam Silver and Dana White champion this cause, they are confronting a challenge that extends beyond the battle against piracy.
What’s more – these organizations are invoking the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to take down these illegal streams. The DMCA mandates that notices should be processed “expeditiously,” but often, this process takes time. Fans end up watching entire matches before the takedowns are enforced. The organizations are seeking a change in the law to ensure that takedowns happen “instantaneously or near-instantaneously,” minimizing the revenue loss due to piracy.
Dana White asserts he’s doing everything he can
During a recent interview on the Contender Series, Dana White was queried about their collective efforts to combat piracy. His response was resolute, reflecting years of vigilance against this threat. When asked about his views and involvement in this endeavor, the UFC President responded with a sharp retort.
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He declared, “We’ve been cracking down on piracy for years. I’ve been talking about piracy for 10-12/13 years. We’ve always taken a strong stance on piracy and we always will.”
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As the sports industry faces this crisis, Adam Silver and White’s collaboration underscores the gravity of the situation. Beyond their roles as leaders in their respective sports, they are now leading the charge to protect the integrity and financial stability of the sports world. While piracy poses a daunting challenge, their united front sends a clear message – that the fight for fair play extends beyond the arena to the digital domain.
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