A group of bipartisan New York City council members is expressing concern over how streaming services are taking over Mets and Yankees broadcasts. They are urging the federal government to enhance access to professional sports on free television.
On June 11, council members Frank Molano (R-Staten Island) and Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan) put forward a non-binding resolution aimed at prompting Congress to reassess Major League Baseball’s antitrust exemption. This exemption essentially allows MLB to operate like a monopoly and limits the availability of sports programming on free terrestrial TV.
This push comes amid growing frustration with the increasing number of games that are hidden behind streaming paywalls, complicating access through various subscription services.
The report highlights that both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field were financed largely with public funds, which gives MLB and federal officials a chance to examine the Supreme Court’s 1922 antitrust ruling. They could then consider whether the current broadcasting strategies align with the public interest.
Councilman Morano noted, “Kids who can’t easily watch the Mets or Yankees are less likely to become lifelong fans.” He emphasizes the importance of allowing the next generation to experience baseball to ensure its future. “New Yorkers shouldn’t need five subscriptions just to watch their local team,” he added.
Currently, most Mets and Yankees games are primarily shown on their respective regional networks, SNY and YES. However, fans are also faced with additional costs for streaming services such as Apple TV+, which holds exclusive rights to MLB’s Friday Night Baseball for $12.99 a month.
In addition, Amazon has secured regional streaming rights for 21 Yankees games this year, while Netflix has obtained rights to the Home Run Derby and other exclusive MLB events.
Looking back, in the mid-1970s, nearly all Mets games and a significant number of Yankees games were readily available on free television.
