Red Sox Network Pulls Senate Candidate’s Ad Over Intellectual-Property Claim

On May 23, 2026, NESN, the cable network owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and broadcaster of Boston Red Sox games, stopped a 15-second ad for Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of Maine. The spot accused private-equity owners of “destroying our favorite baseball team” and referenced the 2020 trade of Mookie Betts. NESN removed the ad mid-broadcast, citing unauthorized third-party intellectual-property use.

MediaiteNESN pulls Graham Platner ad criticizing Red Sox private equity ownershipNewserNew York Times

FSG, led by John W. Henry, bought the Red Sox in 2001 and later added the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins and Liverpool F.C. A 2021 RedBird Capital Partners investment gave the firm an 11 percent stake, fueling criticism that private-equity influences team decisions. Platner, a Marine and Army veteran, has framed his campaign as a working-class insurgency against such ownership. The ad cost roughly $14,000; the Red Sox have four World Series titles but sit last in the American League East.

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The pull raises a conflict of interest when a candidate attacks a media owner’s own property. Because cable channels are not subject to FCC political-advertising rules, NESN could remove the spot without a public justification. The controversy also amplified Platner’s anti-private-equity message, potentially influencing undecided voters in a pivotal Senate race.

NESN pulls Graham Platner ad criticizing Red Sox private equity ownership

NESN said it removed the ad because the creative included unauthorized third-party intellectual property and failed to meet its advertising standards. The Collins campaign described the removal as an attempt to change the subject. A Red Sox spokesperson declined comment.

New York Times

Collins’s team framed the ad as a diversion from Platner’s “judgment and character.” Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy publicly rebuffed a campaign request to discuss the ad, instead highlighting a resurfaced tattoo with Nazi symbolism. Media-law scholar Gigi Sohn called the pull “unusual” but noted that cable channels can use copyright concerns to sidestep disfavored content.

Newser

NESN cited an intellectual-property breach but did not identify the material; the Red Sox organization offered no comment, leaving the legal basis unclear.

New York Times

• “Private equity has destroyed our favorite baseball team, stripping them for parts,” — Graham Platner, campaign ad

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• “Private equity is buying up our homes, our sports, and our lives. I will reverse the private equity curse. I’m Graham Platner and I approved this message because I miss Mookie Betts.” — Graham Platner, campaign ad

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• “NESN removes advertisements when credible concerns arise regarding the use of intellectual property,” — NESN statement

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• “change the subject,” — Collins campaign

NESN pulls Graham Platner ad criticizing Red Sox private equity ownership

Platner’s team will seek alternative media venues while continuing its anti-private-equity narrative. Legal analysts expect possible challenges to NESN’s removal, and the Senate race is likely to remain a national focus as early voting begins.

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