Full Breakdown
Packers Oppose Proposed Changes to the Sports Broadcasting Act
6/18/2026, 9:18:47 AM
Opposition to SBA Amendments
The Green Bay Packers issued a Tuesday statement opposing any amendment to the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act, saying such changes could jeopardize the team’s ability to compete in the NFL, given Green Bay’s status as the league’s smallest market.
Legislative Background and Stakeholders
The 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act authorizes leagues to negotiate national television contracts collectively and requires equal revenue sharing among member clubs. Actors in the debate are the Green Bay Packers, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI, 5th District), the NFL, and the U.S. Department of Justice, which has launched an antitrust inquiry.
Revenue Sharing Figures
The Packers’ financial disclosures show the NFL’s national television contracts generated a record $432.6 million per team in the most recent season. A separate fiscal-year-2025 report lists $432 million per franchise, highlighting the league’s reliance on equal-share revenue.
Official Statements & Responses
The NFL said its distribution model is the most fan- and broadcaster-friendly in the sports and entertainment industry, noting that over 87 % of games air on free broadcast television. The Department of Justice announced an antitrust investigation into the league’s collective TV-rights negotiations. Rep. Fitzgerald testified the hearing seeks to determine whether leagues are distorting permissible broadcasting under the antitrust exemption.
Packers’ Position
The Packers contend that the SBA’s equal-revenue framework is vital for financial stability, given the franchise’s lack of a deep-pocketed owner and inability to sell equity stakes. They warn any alteration could threaten the team’s viability and disrupt the competitive balance.
Conflicting Revenue Reports
Two sources report different per-team earnings from national TV contracts: one cites $432.6 million, another lists $432 million for fiscal year 2025. The variance reflects differing reporting periods and rounding practices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Packers fans everywhere should be deeply concerned that Rep. Fitzgerald admitted to giving ‘zero’ consideration to keeping the Packers in Green Bay as he explores upending the 65-year-old Sports Broadcasting Act,” — Green Bay Packers spokesperson
- “Fans should be offended that Fitzgerald then went further, saying our concerns were ‘laughable.’ What is laughable is that a congressman from Wisconsin is leading this charge. Why threaten the team his community overwhelmingly cherishes and its ability to compete on a level playing field.” — Green Bay Packers spokesperson
- “That’s absolutely ridiculous and almost laughable, that is absolutely the Packers going for kind of hair on fire, oh my gosh, the world’s coming to an end if this would be tweaked,” — Rep. Scott Fitzgerald
- “The NFL's media distribution model is the most fan and broadcaster-friendly in the entire sports and entertainment industry,” — NFL spokesperson
What’s Next
The House Judiciary Subcommittee plans additional hearings on potential SBA reforms later this year. The DOJ investigation continues, and its findings may shape any legislative amendment. The Packers have pledged to maintain lobbying efforts against changes that could modify the current revenue-sharing structure.
