Bill · S. 4301· Senate(119-S-4301)
For the Fans Act
- Introduced
- 4/15/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Tammy Baldwin
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "For the Fans Act" is designed to improve consumer access to professional sports broadcasts. It requires league streamers to provide customers with access to view every live game of a league without any geographic blackouts. Additionally, the bill mandates that leagues provide local fans access to view all live games of their team at no cost, provided the quality is at least the best available. This free access can be through local telecasts or a single streaming service supported by advertisements. The bill also establishes enforcement powers for the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and State attorneys general.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill provides consumer protection by mandating the elimination of geographic blackouts and allowing state attorneys general to seek damages for violations.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill provides free access to live sports for local fans, reducing the cost of entertainment for all households.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+5
The bill provides free access to live sports for local fans, reducing the cost of entertainment for middle-income households.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Elimination of Blackouts: Under Section 2(b)(1), league streamers must allow customers to view every live game without implementing any kind of geographic blackout, which ensures fans can watch their teams regardless of location.
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Free Access for Local Fans: According to Section 2(c)(1), leagues must provide local fans access to view all live games of a league team at no cost, which benefits individuals living in the same state as a team or other specific localities.
-
High Quality Viewing: Section 2(c)(1) ensures that the free access provided to local fans is of a quality of service not less than the best available.
-
Legal Recourse for Residents: Under Section 2(c)(3)(B), State attorneys general have the power to bring civil actions to enjoin practices, enforce compliance, or obtain damages and restitution on behalf of state residents.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Exceptions for Certain Leagues: Section 2(c)(2) specifies that the requirement for free access for local fans does not apply to minor league teams or any league with fewer than 8 teams.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Urban Residents+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 4/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate