Unanimous resolution from all 50 state broadcasters associations, D.C. and Puerto Rico urges Congress to reexamine the Sports Broadcasting Act in the streaming era
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today applauded a resolution adopted by the 50 state broadcasters associations, along with the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, urging Congress to reexamine the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 to preserve broad fan access to sports programming as more games move behind streaming paywalls.
When the law was enacted, policymakers could not have anticipated today’s streaming options. This resolution reflects growing concern that sports programming is increasingly fragmented across exclusive digital platforms, forcing fans to purchase multiple subscriptions, maintain reliable broadband access and navigate a maze of services just to follow their favorite teams. It calls on Congress to assess whether these evolving distribution practices are covered under the law, serve the public interest and preserve broad fan access to sports programming.
The following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:
“Across the country, broadcasters are standing with fans frustrated by the rising paywalls and growing confusion surrounding live sports. For generations, free, over-the-air broadcast television has brought Americans together for the games that define our communities and our culture. That access should not depend on a household’s income, broadband connection or ability to juggle multiple streaming subscriptions.
“The Sports Broadcasting Act was enacted nearly seven decades ago to govern the relationship between major sports leagues and the nation’s broadcast networks, which were and remain freely available to all Americans. More than six decades later, Congress should examine whether today’s increasingly fragmented sports marketplace is still serving fans.
“We commend the state broadcasters associations for their leadership and engagement on this important issue. Local television remains the only universally available video platform in America, delivering live sports, trusted local news, emergency information and essential public service to every community. Policymakers should put fans first and ensure that the future of sports distribution preserves broad access through free, local broadcast television.”
The resolution underscores that local broadcast television has long ensured Americans in every community can access sports programming without subscription fees or broadband requirements. It also highlights that the migration of games to exclusive streaming platforms disproportionately impacts rural Americans, seniors, lower-income households and others who may lack affordable broadband access, streaming devices or the financial ability to maintain multiple subscriptions.
The unified action from state broadcasters associations comes amid rising bipartisan scrutiny of sports rights deals that move games away from free, over-the-air television. Policymakers have expressed concern about rising costs and increasing confusion for fans as games that were once easy to find become scattered across paid apps and exclusive streaming services. NAB continues to engage with policymakers to emphasize the enduring value of broadcasting as a free, local and trusted platform for live sports and other essential programming.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.
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