Bill > A06968

This bill requires entities responsible for broadcast rights of sports teams in national or international professional leagues to provide free local broadcasts of games played in facilities that have received state benefits like funds, tax subsidies, or eminent domain. Specifically, the broadcasts must be available at no cost to households in the county where the facility is located and its adjoining counties. If the team is affiliated with New York but plays outside the state, the free broadcast must be available in counties with populations of one million or more. The no-cost broadcast must be the same or substantially equivalent in quality to paid broadcast options. The bill defines key terms like "national or international professional sports league" and empowers the Attorney General to seek injunctions and impose civil penalties against entities that violate these requirements. The law would take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving sports broadcasters time to adjust their practices. The bill's intent appears to be ensuring that communities which have financially supported sports facilities through public resources can access their local teams' games without additional charge.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6968