Congress could soon act to limit the NFL’s ability to move games behind streaming paywalls. According to reporting by Puck Media’s John Ourand, that legislation may arrive within weeks.
What We Know: A House Judiciary Committee report this week targeted the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. The report, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, appears to be a precursor to legislation aimed at slowing the NFL’s streaming migration. Earlier this week, a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust convened a hearing titled “Examining the Sports Broadcasting Act.” The hearing examines the SBA’s effect on the modern broadcast market for major sports leagues. Specifically how professional sports distribution has evolved since the law’s passage 65 years ago. Over the past decade, the NFL has steadily shifted games to platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, YouTube and Netflix. According to Ourand, expect a bill within the coming weeks to curb that transition.
What They Said: Per John Ourand (Puck Media): “The committee report appears to be a precursor to a bill designed to slow down the migration of NFL games to streaming services. In fact, sources on all sides expect some sort of legislation to be introduced within the next few weeks.”
What Remains Unclear: Whether the legislation will gain enough traction to actually limit streaming deals remains to be seen. Additionally, Roger Goodell declined a committee testimony request. It’s unclear how that absence will affect the league’s standing with lawmakers going forward.
What It Means: The NFL’s no-show signals a deliberate strategy. Instead of engaging a subcommittee the league viewed as one-sided, the league opted to make its case publicly. Instead of through sworn testimony. The SBA does not clearly protect cable, satellite, streaming, or subscription products. In addition, the rising costs of which have drawn consumer complaints and government scrutiny. Currently, the DOJ, FCC, and Congress all examining the league’s broadcast practices simultaneously. Would new legislation actually pass in Congress is unknown.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
