GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – It’s well documented that the Packers have survived many attempts at getting them to leave Green Bay, and that they play in by far the smallest market in the NFL.
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One of the laws that helped them stay here in northeast Wisconsin is the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which allowed the NFL to negotiate television deals as a singular league-wide entity with equal revenue sharing, and now it’s under review.
That review prompted concern from team officials like Director of Public Affairs Aaron Popkey, who told Local 5 that the law represents what allowed the Packers to not just be viable, but competitive and successful.
“It establishes structure in the NFL to collectively bargain negotiation rights to put the games on the air,” Popkey said. “It being reviewed is of concern to us.”
Popkey acknowledged that the sports world has shifted, especially in terms of how and where fans can watch games with new platforms and streaming services, but that it’s critical to remember the ease of access fans have in home markets.
“We certainly understand they are looking at multiple platforms and options for sports fans,” Popkey said. “[But] I think it’s important to remember, 100% of the games are on free over-the-air TV in home markets.”
Popkey’s main concern isn’t the rise of streaming, though; it’s what could happen if the law were changed or even repealed, as he says the law provides structure and stability to the Packers.
“That is the existential threat to the Packers,” Popkey said. “[What] if the SBA goes away? What assurances are there that the structure remains in place that allows the Packers to survive?”
The team sent a letter to U.S. Representative Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI-05) along with other members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation, with one of the key statements as follows:
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“This would undermine financial equity and therefore disrupt competitive balance, threatening the ability of the Packers to meaningfully compete and making it more difficult for fans to watch the Packers play.”
Popkey said the team has heard back from lawmakers, but no guarantees have been made on the next steps.
