NFL fans are the backbone of the league’s business. We made the NFL the powerhouse that it is today by watching and attending games, buying merchandise and paying the taxes that build and maintain stadiums. What does the NFL give us in return for our support? TV blackouts that prevent us from watching our favorite teams.

Sports fans recently scored an overwhelming win against the league’s local TV blackout policy when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ended the nearly 40-year-old “Sports Blackout Rule” in late September. But before anyone does a touchdown celebration in the end zone, remember that the league can still block fans from watching their favorite teams on TV.

If the NFL doesn’t voluntarily end its own local blackout policy, we have to put an end to the remaining government protection of its policy: the antitrust exemption that allows leagues to have the policy in the first place.

Fortunately, political will is building to make that happen. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) have reintroduced the FANS Act (Furthering Access and Networks for Sports Act) to eliminate the antitrust exemption. The time is now.

Given the league’s history, it is likely to stay its course of profiting from you, not benefiting you. So it’s time for us to act. If you like watching your team on TV at home, sign this petition to let the NFL hear your voice and call on your members of Congress to co-sponsor the FANS Act. Tell them that the NFL should do the right thing and get rid of its local blackout policy -- just like professional baseball and hockey have done in the past.

View our press release here. 

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