In a surprise move, since she is not up for reelection, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin introduced the “For the Fans Act” this week, promising to end sports blackouts, slash the cost of watching Wisconsin’s Packers, Brewers, and Bucks, and guarantee local fans free access to every game in one place.
The bill would require professional leagues to provide all local games free over the air or on ad-supported streaming. It would also prohibit league-owned services such as MLB.TV and NBA League Pass from blacking out games shown exclusively on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, or Apple TV+.
Baldwin stated that Wisconsin families spend over $1,500 annually on multiple subscriptions to watch every game. She shared an image listing Apple TV+, Netflix, Peacock, YouTube TV, FanDuel Sports Network, Prime Video, and Brewers.TV as required services.
However, the federal government cannot and should not dictate private broadcasting contracts. Critics argue that personal choice and existing market forces are the true solutions. If viewers do not subscribe, the market will respond accordingly. The fragmentation of streaming services accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and companies chased revenue.
Talk-radio host Jay Weber, a Milwaukee conservative, noted Baldwin has spent three decades promising to deliver Packers and Brewers games more cheaply without success. https://x.com/JayWeber3/status/2045101933745115211
Industry analysts back that view. Reports this year show streaming executives expect bundling — not more government rules — to dominate sports rights strategies in 2026. Leagues and platforms are already testing combined offerings to simplify access and retain subscribers as fragmentation becomes unsustainable for many households.
The Federal Communications Commission opened an inquiry in February into the shift of live sports from free broadcast to paid streaming, but stopped short of proposing mandates.
Baldwin’s office has highlighted past unsuccessful efforts, including versions of a “Go Pack Go Act” that were reintroduced in election years without passing.
The For the Fans Act would not save fans money; instead, it could create new problems. Professional leagues operate under limited antitrust exemptions precisely to negotiate broadcast deals that fund various team operations. Mandating free local access could shift costs to ticket prices, national rights fees, or reduce investment in production.
Fans already have options. Many listen to free local radio broadcasts, watch highlights on social media, or subscribe only to services that carry preferred games. Market data show consumers canceling unused streaming services when costs increase, prompting companies to bundle or offer discounts.
Baldwin’s bill applies to major men’s and women’s leagues in baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. It does not affect collegiate sports or other entertainment.
Washington cannot change the underlying economics of content rights through legislation. Fans, not lawmakers, should determine what they watch and pay for, allowing competition to address the rest.
