New York City Councilmember Frank Morano has introduced a resolution urging Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to dismantle the barriers that keep many fans from watching Major League Baseball games without paying for multiple streaming services.
A Push for Equitable Access
The proposal comes at a time when the Yankees' 2026 opening game will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, forcing viewers to subscribe to eight different networks, a cost that could approach $800 for a full season.
Morano argues that the league's long‑standing antitrust exemption, first granted by the Supreme Court in 1922, gives it an unfair advantage and should be reassessed in light of the public subsidies that built venues such as Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.
The councilmember is not alone; colleagues Harvey Epstein, Tiffany Cabán and Lynn Schulman have voiced their backing, emphasizing that easy, free access to baseball is a matter of cultural equity.
Critics note that the exemption, described by the Court as an “aberration,” places the onus on Congress to act, while MLB has yet to comment on the resolution.
If successful, the effort could reshape how billions of fans experience the sport, ensuring that the national pastime remains within reach for all.