Malliotakis, Morano Ask DOJ to Review Streaming Platforms & Diminishing Access for Sports Fans

(NEW YORK, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and New York City Councilman Frank Morano are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to review the growing number of professional sports games being moved from free, over-the-air television to paid streaming platforms, forcing fans to pay more to watch their hometown teams.

The lawmakers raised concerns that fans are increasingly forced to subscribe to multiple streaming services to watch their favorite teams, despite many sports facilities being supported by taxpayer dollars. They noted that New York fans have experienced this firsthand, with Yankees and Mets games periodically placed exclusively on Apple TV+ and some NFL games now requiring subscriptions to services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Peacock.

In their letter, Malliotakis and Morano call on the DOJ to examine whether these exclusive streaming arrangements are consistent with the Sports Broadcasting Act, which gives professional sports leagues a limited exemption from federal antitrust laws for certain broadcasting agreements.

“Americans shouldn’t have to spend hundreds every season on streaming subscriptions just to watch their hometown teams,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Making professional sports accessible again for New Yorkers and all fans is a priority of mine, especially when taxpayers help fund the stadiums where these games are played. More and more games are being moved off regular television and placed behind paid streaming services, forcing fans to sign up for multiple platforms just to follow one team. That’s why Councilman Frank Morano and I are calling on the Department of Justice to review whether sports leagues are using their special antitrust exemption as Congress intended, or if today’s exclusive streaming deals are unfairly limiting access for fans.”

"For a lot of working-class families, following your hometown team used to mean turning on the TV after dinner, not pulling out a credit card for yet another streaming subscription. When taxpayers are helping finance stadiums and sports leagues enjoy special treatment under federal law, it’s fair to ask whether ordinary fans are still getting a fair shake. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Malliotakis in calling for a closer look at whether these broadcast arrangements are serving the public or just squeezing it," said Councilman Frank Morano.