European MEP warns of economic impact from live event piracy

European Parliament Member Hannes Heide has highlighted the growing threat of illegal streaming to the economic and social value of live events. He notes that the economic worth of a broadcast drops rapidly once a live moment has passed, making real-time responses to piracy essential.

Heide cited a significant example from May 2026, where an estimated 16.2 million illegal streams were recorded during the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in the United Kingdom. This issue extends beyond sports to music and culture, such as the Coachella Festival, where official livestreams are central to the event concept. The rise of digital live experiences has increased the attractiveness of illegal providers, threatening the entire value chain, including artists, producers, and organizers.