Senate bill targets sports streaming blackouts
In committeeS. 4301Latest action
Sponsor: Tammy Baldwin · Senator · WI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: For the Fans Act
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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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
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.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 15, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Apr 15, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The 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.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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How it's being covered
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