• Senator Ted Cruz raised concerns about the NFL potentially violating the Sports Broadcasting Act by scheduling games on Black Friday and streaming games that conflict with high school and college football schedules.
• The Senate hearing examined the increasing fragmentation and cost of sports streaming, with concerns raised about fans needing multiple subscriptions to watch their favorite teams.
• Executives from the NBA, MLB, and NHL testified about their leagues' approaches to streaming, while the NFL declined to participate in the hearing.

The Senate Commerce Committee convened a hearing titled 'Field of Streams' to examine the impact of sports streaming on consumers. The hearing addressed concerns about the growing complexity and expense of watching live sports due to the proliferation of streaming services and media rights deals. Senator Ted Cruz specifically questioned the NFL's compliance with the Sports Broadcasting Act (SBA) of 1961, which protects high school and college football schedules. The absence of NFL representation at the hearing was noted.

• What: A Senate Commerce Committee hearing was held to discuss sports streaming and the NFL's compliance with the Sports Broadcasting Act.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Senator Ted Cruz, executives from the NBA, MLB, and NHL, and legal expert John Bergmayer. Roger Goodell and the NFL were notably absent.
• When: The hearing took place on Tuesday, presumably in early November 2024, considering the content discusses events in 2025 and 2027. The Sports Broadcasting Act was established in 1961.
• Where: The hearing was held on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

The Senate hearing highlights the growing tension between the NFL's expanding broadcast reach and the protections afforded to high school and college football under the Sports Broadcasting Act. Senator Cruz's criticism suggests potential legislative scrutiny for the NFL's scheduling practices, particularly regarding streaming games on Black Friday. The broader issue of sports streaming fragmentation and cost raises concerns about accessibility for fans, potentially leading to further regulation or mandates for leagues to ensure wider availability of games.

"One growing concern is that the NFL has used its special exemption in the SBA to the frustration of college and high school football schedules."

"Streaming is no longer an afterthought, and policymakers, content creators, tech platforms, and sports leagues need to take steps to ensure that shifts in the media, technology, and sports landscapes benefit viewers, and lead to cheaper and more convenient options."

"It shouldn’t be insanely complicated or insanely expensive to cheer on your hometown team."

The Senate Commerce Committee hearing underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between professional sports broadcasting rights, consumer access, and the protection of amateur sports. The NFL's absence from the hearing raises questions about its willingness to address concerns regarding the Sports Broadcasting Act and the increasing cost of sports streaming for fans. Future developments may include legislative action, revisions to the SBA, or further negotiations between leagues and streaming platforms to improve accessibility and affordability for consumers.