Senator Targets Sports Blackouts and Streaming Costs

Proposed legislation aims to make games more accessible and affordable for fans

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in navy, green, and orange hues, depicting the overlapping planes and perspectives of a basketball game, conceptually representing the complex media landscape that fans must navigate to access sports content.A cubist interpretation of the high costs and limited access that fans face in watching their favorite sports teams.Today in Milwaukee

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has introduced a bill to address the growing problem of sports game blackouts and the high costs of streaming sports content. The legislation is aimed at making it easier and more affordable for fans to access their local teams' games.

Why it matters

The rising costs of sports media rights and the fragmentation of broadcast rights across multiple streaming services have made it increasingly difficult and expensive for fans to watch their local teams. This has led to more frequent blackouts and has priced out many fans, especially those in smaller markets.

The details

Senator Baldwin's bill would prohibit sports leagues from blacking out games in a team's local market and would also cap the monthly cost of sports streaming packages at $25. The goal is to ensure that fans have affordable access to watch their local teams play.

  • The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate on April 15, 2026.

The players

Tammy Baldwin

A U.S. Senator representing Wisconsin, who introduced the legislation to address sports blackouts and streaming costs.

Mark Attanasio

The owner of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, who has commented on the financial impact of the current TV situation on the team.

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What they’re saying

“This web of expensive services only benefits the leagues, the big streaming services and the billionaire owners of these sports teams – and not the fans,”

— Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The bill will now go through the legislative process, with hearings and potential amendments before a vote in the Senate.

The takeaway

Senator Baldwin's proposal aims to make it more affordable and accessible for fans to watch their local sports teams, addressing the growing problem of sports media rights fragmentation and high streaming costs that have priced out many fans.