The Federal Communications Commission is exploring changes to local blackout restrictions as fans face skyrocketing costs and a maze of streaming services to watch live sports.

FCC Opens Review Of Local Sports Blackouts

In February, the FCC announced it is seeking public comment on the "consumer experience" with live sports viewing, citing rising subscription prices and a fragmented media landscape, reported The Hill on Sunday.

"Sports remain inherently local, despite the increasingly national nature and reach" of games, the commission said in its public notice, emphasizing the need to understand how current rules affect both consumers and broadcasters.

Fans' frustration has grown as watching every NFL game last season could require subscriptions to 10 different services, costing more than $1,000, according to FCC estimates.

Olivia Stomski, director of Syracuse University's Newhouse Sports Media Center, highlighted the human impact: "I can't help but think of the older sports fan who is maybe retired and, say, the Mets game is the highlight of their day or their week, and now they can't find it or pay for another platform they maybe can't afford."

Major media companies and leagues have pushed back.

Fox Corporation warned that widespread streaming could have a "dramatic impact on both consumers and local journalism," while noting that Big Tech's acquisition of sports rights risks locking fans out of marquee events.

YouTube, Netflix And Disney Resolve Major Media Disputes

Last year, YouTube and Fox struck a deal keeping Fox News, Fox Sports, and other channels on YouTube TV, avoiding a blackout for over eight million subscribers.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr had warned that losing Fox channels ahead of major events would be "a terrible outcome" and later praised the agreement as "great news for college football fans."

Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) also secured exclusive streaming rights for the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Japan, marking its first live sports event in the country.

The platform broadcast all 47 games live and on demand, with Team Japan led by Shohei Ohtani drawing over 30 million viewers for most games, rivaling Super Bowl ratings.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) reinstated "Jimmy Kimmel Live" after temporarily suspending it following criticism from regional networks, FCC officials and President Donald Trump.

The company cited the need to ease tensions and confirmed discussions with Kimmel before resuming the show on ABC.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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