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FCC Expands Antitrust Inquiry to Major Sports Leagues

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission expanded its antitrust inquiry from the NFL to Major League Baseball and other leagues under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, according to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 allows leagues to bundle broadcast rights.
Regulators worry that streaming shifts could exceed the act's intent.
The investigation's outcome could reshape future media rights negotiations and viewer accessibility.

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Story summary

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission expanded its antitrust inquiry from the NFL to Major League Baseball and other leagues under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, according to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 allows leagues to bundle broadcast rights.
Regulators worry that streaming shifts could exceed the act's intent.
The investigation's outcome could reshape future media rights negotiations and viewer accessibility.