Ohio Senator Aims to Block Streaming-Only Broadcasts of State University Sports Games
Ohio State Senator Bill DeMora, a Democrat representing Columbus, has introduced a bill designed to curtail the exclusive broadcasting of Ohio State University and other Ohio-based university athletic events on streaming platforms. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent state universities from entering into agreements with streaming services that have increasingly dominated the sports broadcasting landscape in recent years.
According to a statement from DeMora’s office provided to Fox News Digital, the bill mandates that state universities provide enrolled students with free access to broadcasts of university athletic events. This provision aims to ensure that students, who often contribute directly to the university’s athletic programs through fees and tuition, are not required to pay extra to watch their teams compete.
Senator DeMora has been a vocal critic of the trend toward streaming-exclusive sports broadcasts. He has framed the issue as one of accessibility and affordability, particularly for small businesses and average Ohioans who may not be able or willing to subscribe to multiple streaming services to follow their favorite teams.
"The greed of the Big Ten and multinational streaming corporations is placing an unreasonable burden on Ohio’s small businesses, which rely on their ability to air games," DeMora stated in 2023, when he initially announced his intention to introduce the legislation. He further emphasized the financial strain placed on small businesses, noting that "Paying thousands of dollars to air one game is a ridiculous requirement for small businesses. This problem is created wholly by public institutions seeking to make a profit."
The impetus for DeMora’s legislative proposal stems from a specific incident in which an Ohio State football game against Purdue was broadcast exclusively on the Peacock streaming service. DeMora reportedly stated that this marked the first time in approximately two decades that he was unable to watch an Ohio State football game on traditional television. This experience, coupled with the broader trend of sports migrating to streaming platforms, spurred him to action.
"I refuse to pay all these streaming networks to watch Ohio State and other sports. … Streaming television is not good for sports," DeMora asserted, highlighting his belief that the shift to streaming has detrimental effects on sports viewership and accessibility.
Another Ohio State football game, a matchup against Michigan State in September, was also exclusively broadcast on Peacock as part of a seven-year deal the Big Ten Conference inked with the company in 2022. In addition to football, basketball games have also been featured on Peacock and the Big Ten Network’s streaming platform, demonstrating the increasing prevalence of streaming in college sports broadcasting.
The trend toward streaming-exclusive sports content is not limited to college athletics. Conference realignment across collegiate sports has triggered new media rights deals, resulting in a greater presence of Big Ten games on NBC. Furthermore, major players in the streaming industry, such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, have entered the sports broadcasting arena, showcasing primetime NFL games and venturing into combat sports, respectively. Apple TV has also secured rights to broadcast MLB and MLS games.
Despite the growing dominance of streaming, DeMora was able to watch his beloved Buckeyes win the college football national championship on cable television.
The senator’s proposed legislation comes amid growing concerns about the fragmentation of the sports broadcasting landscape and the increasing costs associated with accessing sports content. While streaming services offer flexibility and convenience, they often require subscriptions to multiple platforms to access a comprehensive range of sports programming. This can create financial barriers for fans and small businesses, potentially diminishing viewership and impacting the overall sports ecosystem.
The bill introduced by Senator DeMora raises important questions about the balance between revenue generation for universities and media companies and the accessibility of sports content for students, fans, and small businesses. The debate surrounding this legislation is likely to involve considerations of media rights agreements, consumer preferences, and the role of public institutions in ensuring equitable access to sports entertainment.
The future of sports broadcasting is undoubtedly evolving, with streaming platforms playing an increasingly significant role. However, the concerns raised by Senator DeMora and others highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of this shift, particularly in terms of accessibility and affordability for all stakeholders. The outcome of this legislative effort in Ohio could have implications for the broader landscape of sports broadcasting and the way fans consume their favorite games.
