The House Judiciary Committee is pressing the commissioners of America’s four major professional sports leagues—the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL—for answers on how their broadcasting practices align with antitrust law, signaling a potential overhaul of the decades-old Sports Broadcasting Act (SBA).
In a letter sent Monday to Commissioners Roger Goodell (NFL), Rob Manfred (MLB), Adam Silver (NBA), and Gary Bettman (NHL), Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Subcommittee Chair Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) requested formal briefings by August 25. The inquiry reflects growing concern that the SBA, enacted in 1961, no longer fits the realities of today’s fragmented and increasingly digital sports media landscape.
“The sports broadcasting market has changed considerably since the SBA was first enacted,” the lawmakers wrote, pointing to the rise of streaming platforms, subscription paywalls, and blackout restrictions that often leave fans unable to watch games—even after paying for multiple services.
The SBA grants leagues limited antitrust exemptions to collectively sell broadcast rights, provided games are aired via “sponsored telecasting” on free network television. But courts have repeatedly ruled that the SBA does not apply to cable, satellite, or streaming platforms, which now dominate sports viewership. In 2023, digital platforms surpassed traditional TV as the primary venue for live sports, further straining the SBA’s relevance.
The Committee’s letter highlights recent litigation, including the $4.8 billion NFL Sunday Ticket antitrust case, as evidence of mounting legal and consumer pressure. Lawmakers argue that the SBA’s original purpose—to protect smaller teams and stabilize league-wide revenue—may now be enabling anti-competitive behavior and limiting consumer access.
“While the SBA may have made sense in an era when network broadcasters had significant market power and major sports leagues were seen as at a disadvantage, because of massive changes in the video-competition marketplace, it no longer does,” the letter states.
Fans are increasingly frustrated by the complexity and cost of accessing games. Some must juggle multiple subscriptions and even install over-the-air antennas to catch every matchup. Despite technological advances, blackout rules and exclusive deals often block access to local games, regardless of a fan’s willingness to pay.
The Committee is evaluating whether legislative reforms are needed to modernize the SBA and ensure fair competition in sports broadcasting. The briefings from all four commissioners are expected to shed light on how each league interprets and applies the SBA’s exemptions—and whether their practices contribute to market distortions.
As Congress weighs the future of sports broadcasting regulation, the responses from the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL could shape how Americans watch their favorite teams—and how leagues are held accountable in a rapidly evolving media environment.
