Full Breakdown
Packers Clash with Wisconsin Congressman Over Sports Broadcasting Act Review
6/19/2026, 5:39:58 AM
Legislative Review of the Sports Broadcasting Act
Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), chair of the Judiciary subcommittee, held a June 10 hearing on Sports Broadcasting Act. He argues the law, which lets the NFL pool broadcast rights, is outdated and could disadvantage consumers. Fitzgerald says Congress must assess the NFL’s use of the act, denying repeal.
Historical Role of the SBA
The 1961 SBA gives the NFL’s 32 teams a collective antitrust exemption to negotiate national broadcast contracts and share revenue equally, enabling the Packers to stay financially viable.
Key Actors
Key actors include Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, Green Bay Packers, Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Rep. Tony Wied, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, and Sen. Tammy Baldwin.
Data & Statistics
The SBA lets the NFL’s 32 teams share broadcast revenue equally. A $14 billion jury verdict and the rise of streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix and Peacock have spurred reform calls.
Official Statements & Responses
Fitzgerald told WISN-TV that he loves the NFL, football in Wisconsin, and the Packers. His spokeswoman said the review focuses on consumers and that “revenue sharing remains vital to small-market teams like the Packers.” Rep. Tony Wied and Rep. Derrick Van Orden urged Judiciary Committee to “preserve the SBA’s core protections.” Sen. Tammy Baldwin backed the Packers and introduced legislation on NFL subscriptions.
Criticism & Opposition
Packers’ statement warned that Fitzgerald “admitted to giving ‘zero’ consideration to keeping the Packers in Green Bay” and called his dismissal “laughable.” The team described the SBA as foundational to its identity, likening it to the bricks of Lambeau Field. Rivera-Wagner replied, “The job of government is to represent the interests of the people we serve, not insult them when they raise concerns.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Fitzgerald maintains that revenue sharing is unaffected by the SBA, while the Packers and several lawmakers argue the equal-share model is essential to the franchise’s survival. No specific amendment language has been disclosed, leaving uncertainty about how proposed changes would impact the Packers’ financial structure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We all love the NFL, we love football in Wisconsin and the Green Bay Packers,” — Scott Fitzgerald, Rep., interview on WISN-TV
- “ "The Packers are going for 'hair on fire, oh my gosh, the world's coming to an end' if this would be tweaked," Fitzgerald said.” — Scott Fitzgerald, WISN-TV appearance
- “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. 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, official statement, June 16
- “The job of government is to represent the interests of the people we serve, not insult them when they raise concerns,” — Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Democratic state lawmaker
What’s Next
The subcommittee will hold hearings on amendment options to curb streaming costs. Letters from Wisconsin and New York members urge preserving the SBA’s core protections with oversight. Ongoing DOJ, FCC and Ninth Circuit actions against the NFL may shape legislation.
