In a time where streaming subscriptions are higher than ever, Congressman Pat Ryan seems to be as fed up as everyone else. Fans are unable to watch their favorite teams on their local network because games continue to get blacked out. Ryan feels as though these blackouts are a result of “…broadcast monopolies abusing their power.”
Ryan used the sports equinox, the only day of the entire year that has all four major professional sports leagues playing simultaneously, as a cause for concern. The New York Knicks, whose game was nationally broadcasted on TNT, didn’t show the game on their usual MSG Network.
“…New Yorkers, who already pay thousands of dollars to watch their favorite teams, stared at black screens because billionaire owners care more about profit than their fans,” Ryan told Fox News Digital.
He said, “You shouldn’t have to buy six streaming services just to find out the game is blacked out. The leagues make more than enough money.”
While streaming games is easy, it can also be expensive. Having to subscribe to several different platforms to be able to watch your favorite team play can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you go through all the trouble just to find out the game is blacked out.
Ryan is attempting to use his platform to raise awareness and create positive change in sports. In doing so, he is trying to give power to the fans, who are the ones who help drive in the copious amount of money these leagues make.
