Senator Pushes For Fans-First TV Rules Aimed at Ending Blackouts and Cutting Costs

Sen. Tammy Baldwin plans to introduce the For the Fans Act to lower sports TV costs, end local blackouts for fans with out-of-market subscriptions, and guarantee statewide access to nationally televised games via local broadcasts or free streaming. The bill would cover major leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, MLS, NWSL) and would align with the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 while asking the FCC to define local markets that cross state lines. If enacted, fans could watch all team games without blackout restrictions, with streams and ads supporting rights holders, and Wisconsin’s Packers example cited to illustrate the current confusion and expense.