Rep. Ryan Introduces Stop Sports Blackouts Act to Require Rebates for TV Channel Disruptions
The Stop Sports Blackouts Act of 2025 is currently sitting in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. No action has been taken on this bill since January 2025, which means it has been stalled for over 17 months. The bill will not move forward unless the committee decides to hold a vote on it.
This bill faces a tough path because it challenges powerful cable and satellite companies. It also currently lacks the broad support from both parties needed to move quickly through the House.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small businesses like sports bars, restaurants, and hotels that rely on cable or satellite TV to attract customers would be entitled to rebates when channels go dark. For businesses that depend on live sports to drive revenue, blackouts can be especially costly, and this bill would at least offset some of the subscription expense during those periods.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Rep. Pat Ryan and Sen. Chris Murphy introduced the 'Stop Sports Blackouts Act' to mandate cable and satellite companies refund customers for channels lost during carriage disputes. The bill directs the FCC to establish rebate rules within 90 days of enactment.
The legislation follows a month-long impasse between Altice USA's Optimum and MSG Networks that left millions of fans unable to watch Knicks and Rangers games. The bill argues cable companies should not charge for services they are not providing.
In addition to oversight hearings, several bills have been introduced in Congress addressing sports broadcasting, such as the Stop Sports Blackouts Act of 2025, reflecting ongoing legislative interest in consumer protection as leagues and platforms consolidate rights.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Stop Sports Blackouts Act of 2025
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