S. 4301In committeeEducation
Senate bill targets sports streaming blackouts
Data as of July 11, 2026
S 4301 would ban sports streaming blackouts and require leagues to offer free local game access to fans in the same state as a team.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would ban blackouts on paid sports streaming services covering baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer, meaning subscribers could watch every game. It would also require leagues to give local fans — people living in the same state as a team — free access to all of that team's games through a local TV broadcast or a single ad-supported streaming service at the best available video quality.
Who does it affect?
This bill affects professional sports leagues, their streaming services, and sports fans nationwide. It especially affects fans who pay for streaming but get blocked from certain games, and local fans who cannot afford paid subscriptions.
Why does it matter?
Without this bill, leagues can continue blocking paying subscribers from watching certain games based on where they live. Local fans without paid subscriptions would also have no guaranteed free way to watch their home team.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.
Make the callSee how a call works
How it's being covered
Real reporting on this bill, labeled by each outlet's political lean.
Coverage of this bill so far comes from one side of the spectrum. Read it with that in mind.
- Senator Tammy Baldwin takes issue with Packers Thanksgiving Eve game on Netflix
profootballtalk.nbcsports.comMay 14, 2026
- Wisconsin senator says 'enough is enough' after NFL puts Packers holiday game behind Netflix paywall
foxnews.comMay 15, 2026Leans right
Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.
Official title
For the Fans Act
- Introduced:
- April 15, 2026
- Latest action:
- April 15, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.