Chairman Cruz Announces Full Committee Hearing on May 6^th

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans” on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine the policy questions raised by the changing ways Americans are watching live professional sports on television, particularly how traditional over-the-air broadcasts are increasingly supplemented—or even replaced—by digital platforms, subscription services, and exclusive streaming arrangements.

Representatives from Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL) have agreed to testify about their leagues’ approaches to the ever-changing sports broadcasting and programming landscape. Chairman Cruz also asked the National Football League (NFL) to testify, too (read his letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell HERE). The NFL has refused to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee.

Upon announcing the hearing, Sen. Cruz said:

“Catching your favorite team on TV shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. Games that used to be free or easy to find are now scattered across pricey apps and exclusive deals. This hearing will explore how leagues intend to keep sports accessible and affordable for the fans who make it all possible.”

Witnesses:

• Mr. Kenny Gersh, Executive Vice President of Media and Business Development, MLB 
• Mr. William Koenig, President of Global Content and Media Distribution, NBA 
• Mr. David Proper, Senior Executive Vice President of Media and International Strategy, NHL 

Additional witnesses may be announced at a later date.

Hearing Details:

WHAT: Full Committee Hearing

DATE: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

TIME: 10:00 AM EST

LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253

LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the Committee web site.

MEDIA INFO: Reporters wanting to attend the committee should contact their respective media gallery to RSVP.

• Senate Daily Press: 202-224-0241 or senate_press_gallery@saa.senate.gov
• Senate Periodical Press: 202-224-0265 or periodicals@saa.senate.gov
• Senate Photographers: 202-224-6548 or press_photo@saa.senate.gov
• Senate Radio/TV: 202-224-6421

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