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Wed, February 25, 2026
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Broadcasters and Leagues Push Back on Streaming Proposal
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 14:45 GMT by Deadline.comLocales: District of Columbia, UNITED STATES
The Stakes are High: Broadcasters Push Back
The response from traditional broadcasters and major sports leagues has been predictably negative. Representatives from the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have all publicly expressed concerns. Their core argument is that allowing streaming services to freely rebroadcast games would undermine their investments in securing those rights.
"We've invested billions in building compelling sports content and distribution networks," said David Miller, a spokesperson for the Coalition for Responsible Broadcasting, a lobbying group representing major networks. "Weakening these protections will disincentivize future investment and ultimately harm the quality of live sports coverage." They fear a scenario where streaming services could offer free or heavily discounted access to games, undercutting the revenue streams that fund the leagues and networks.
Further complicating matters is the debate around regional sports networks (RSNs). Many RSNs are struggling financially as cord-cutting accelerates, and the new FCC proposal could exacerbate their difficulties. While some streaming services see RSNs as potential partners, others view them as obstacles to creating a streamlined, national sports offering.
What Could This Mean for Consumers? The potential benefits for consumers are considerable. Increased competition could drive down subscription costs and provide more flexible viewing options. Fans might be able to access games through a variety of platforms, choosing the service that best fits their needs and budget. Imagine a future where a single streaming subscription gives you access to all major sports leagues, eliminating the need for multiple expensive packages.
However, there are also potential downsides. The fragmentation of rights could make it more difficult to follow a single team or league. Fans might find themselves needing multiple subscriptions to watch all the games they want, potentially increasing their overall costs. The quality of the streaming experience - including potential buffering and lag - is also a concern.
The FCC is now entering a period of public comment, inviting stakeholders and the public to weigh in on the proposal. This will be followed by a period of review and potential revisions before a final decision is made, anticipated within the next few months. Intense lobbying is expected from both sides, with millions of dollars likely to be spent attempting to influence the outcome.
The debate over the future of sports broadcasting is far from over. The FCC's proposal is a bold step that could fundamentally reshape the industry, and the next few months will be crucial in determining whether it leads to a win for consumers, a win for streaming services, or a compromise that satisfies all parties.
Read the Full Deadline.com Article at:
[ https://deadline.com/2026/02/fcc-sports-broadcasting-streaming-1236735958/ ]
