NFL broadcasting schedule put in crosshairs at Senate heaering

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, did not hold back his criticism of the NFL during the Senate Commerce Committee’s “Field of Streams” hearing. Cruz accused the NFL of skirting the rules set forth in the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which was put in place to protect the schedules of high school and college football games from being infringed upon by professional leagues.

According to Pro Football Talk, the NFL is prohibited from broadcasting games on Friday nights through Saturdays, from the second weekend in September to the second weekend in December. However, Cruz pointed out that the league has been airing games on Black Friday in recent years, which he believes goes against the spirit of the law.

Cruz expressed his concern that the NFL’s actions could disrupt the schedules of college and high school football games, which could ultimately impact the fans of those sports. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between professional, college, and high school football to cater to the diverse interests of sports fans.

The NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, was notably absent from the hearing, as he was attending an event at the White House to announce the location of the 2027 NFL Draft. Fox News Digital reached out to the NFL for comment on Cruz’s remarks but has not received a response yet.

Other witnesses at the hearing included MLB executive vice president Kenny Gersh, NBA president William Koenig, and NHL executive vice president David Proper. The discussion centered around the intersection of sports broadcasting and the protection of amateur sports schedules.

In conclusion, Sen. Ted Cruz’s pointed remarks at the Senate hearing shed light on the potential violations of the Sports Broadcasting Act by the NFL. The ongoing debate highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of amateur sports schedules while also meeting the demands of professional sports fans. It remains to be seen how the NFL will address these concerns raised by lawmakers and stakeholders in the sports industry.