Generic Green Bay Packers game, Lambeau Field. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Green Bay Packers are lobbying Wisconsin lawmakers as a House of Representatives subcommittee considers a hearing on a bill which could impact the green and gold.
The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 allows professional sports leagues like the NFL to negotiate broadcast deals collectively. However, a review of the law by the House Judiciary Committee could bring changes. That’s why the Packers sent a letter to lawmakers, asking them to consider what may happen if the law is changed.
Right now, when it comes to broadcast revenue, it doesn’t matter if your favorite NFL team is based in New York, Kansas City, Dallas or Seattle. Every franchise in the league shares national revenue from sources like broadcast deals. In fiscal year 2025, that number was $432 million for each team.
“Those agreements gave stability and viability for small-market teams, especially the Packers. The Packers are the biggest example of that,” said Aaron Popkey, the Packers’ director of public affairs.
Prior to the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, teams sold the media rights to their games individually.
Last August, the House Judiciary Committee began reviewing the SBA, citing recent anti-trust cases. At that time, the committee requested a briefing with the commissioners of the four major U.S. sports leagues — MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL.
Popkey said a change to the structure of the SBA poses an “existential threat” to the Packers’ existence in Green Bay.
“It’s crucially important to the Green Bay Packers and how that structure has enabled the Packers to survive and even thrive as the smallest market in pro sports, by far,” Popkey said.
Three representatives from Wisconsin serve on the House Judiciary Committee: Scott Fitzgerald, R-5th District; Glenn Grothman, R-6th District; and Tom Tiffany, R-7th District.
Fitzgerald shared the following statement:
The Judiciary Committee is examining how the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 affects fan viewership options, particularly as college NIL issues continue to evolve. I am committed to ensuring Wisconsin sports fans have access to their teams’ games without having to pay for multiple cable and streaming packages.
“Without any assurances, how you maintain that and the importance of it to the Packers is certainly our concern. Which should be the concern of Packers fans throughout the state of Wisconsin,” said Popkey.
He added the organization will continue to speak to its Wisconsin legislative delegation to make sure the team’s concerns are understood.
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