MADISON, Wis. (Northern News Now) - Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, introduced a bill that would require professional sports leagues to provide local fans with a free, live option to watch their home-state teams.
The bill comes as Baldwin says more games are exclusively broadcast on different streaming platforms. That includes four Packers games this season, with Thursday night’s game on Prime and another coming up on Netflix.
“With costs the way they are right now, for most WI families I hear from, they are stretched thin and looking for absolutely everywhere they can to save money,” Baldwin said.
Impact on bars and restaurants
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Baldwin says streaming-only games also hurt sports bars and restaurants. A representative from the Wisconsin Tavern League says showing games requires a commercial streaming subscription.
“You want to watch Thursday Night Football? Based on capacity it’s $1,100 to $95,000 a year,” Baldwin said. “If you want to chance it and break the rules, it’s a fine, anywhere from $750 to $30,000.”
Bill’s path forward unclear
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While the bill’s path forward remains unclear, President Trump and other Republican leaders have also criticized the NFL for moving games to streaming-only platforms.
The Packers will host the 0-2 Atlanta Falcons at 7:15 p.m. Thursday on Amazon Prime.
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