Illinois Leads Midwest in Illegal Sports Streaming Searches

Illinois leads the Midwest in searches for illegally streamed sports content, according to a study by Action Network. The state recorded nearly 500,000 searches for illegal streams over the past 12 months. This trend highlights a growing reliance on unauthorized platforms as traditional cable costs rise and streaming services proliferate.

The Action Network study analyzed Google search volume across all U.S. states to identify the prevalence of illegal sports streaming. Illinois’s high number of searches indicates a significant portion of its population is seeking alternative, albeit illicit, ways to watch live sporting events. The FIFA World Cup was the most searched-for event among these illegal streams in Illinois, accounting for over 130,000 searches.

NFL games also proved popular for illegal streaming searches in Illinois, with over 38,000 queries. This suggests a strong demand for major sporting leagues, even among those unwilling or unable to subscribe to legitimate broadcasting packages. The popularity of these events underscores a broader challenge for sports leagues and broadcasters in combating piracy.

Other Midwest states also showed considerable interest in illegally streaming sports. Michigan followed Illinois with 291,200 searches, also reporting the World Cup as the most sought-after event, followed by the NFL. Minnesota recorded over 162,000 searches, with the World Cup and NFL leading the trends there as well. Wisconsin, despite having a low search rate per capita, still registered just under 140,000 searches, with the World Cup and NFL being the primary draws.

Ohio emerged as the second-highest state in the Midwest for total illegal sports stream searches, with 344,000, including over 30,000 searches for NFL games. Indiana reported just under 194,000 searches, while Iowa had 108,000. North and South Dakota had significantly fewer searches, with approximately 23,000 and 26,000, respectively.

Devices Used for Illegal Streams

The study also delved into the methods people use to access these illegal streams. Beyond computers and phones, a notable number of users are employing devices like jailbroken Amazon Firesticks and unauthorized IPTV services. These methods offer a more integrated viewing experience, making it easier for users to access a wide array of pirated content.

Nationally, New York led in per capita searches for illegal sports streams and ranked third in total searches with over 1 million. California had the highest number of total searches nationwide, exceeding 1.6 million, closely followed by Texas with just under 1.2 million searches. The widespread nature of these searches across populous states suggests a significant challenge for rights holders in protecting their content.

The trend of illegal streaming is closely watched by organizations like FIFA, which is exploring technological advancements for future events. For instance, FIFA’s World Cup 2026 is anticipated to feature a push for enhanced data access, though the execution of these plans remains a point of focus. Similarly, leagues like LaLiga EA Sports are adopting new technologies, with a plan to implement connected ball technology for the 2026/27 season. These developments aim to enhance the fan experience through legitimate channels, potentially counteracting the allure of illegal streams.

The ongoing prevalence of illegal sports streaming, as indicated by the Action Network study, presents a complex issue for the sports industry. As legitimate broadcasting and streaming options evolve, the demand for accessible and affordable sports content continues to drive users towards unauthorized platforms. This dynamic will likely shape future strategies for content distribution and anti-piracy efforts across major sporting events.