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Sen. DeMora reintroduces bill to bar exclusive streaming of college sports; bill would require free student access
Summary
Senator DeMora testified in favor of Senate Bill 94, which would prohibit public universities in Ohio from entering exclusive streaming contracts for intercollegiate athletics and require universities to provide enrolled students free access to broadcasts. The bill had a first hearing; no committee action was taken.
Senator DeMora told the Senate Higher Education Committee he supports Senate Bill 94, a reintroduction of legislation from the prior General Assembly intended to limit exclusive streaming deals for university athletics and guarantee students free access to broadcasts.
“This legislation will prohibit public universities in Ohio from entering into exclusive contracts for streaming services for sporting events and will require university to provide enrolled students with free access to broadcast of any university athletic event,” Senator DeMora said during his testimony. He described the measure as a response to streaming exclusivity deals such as the Big Ten’s arrangement with Peacock.
DeMora said the change is aimed at fans, students and small businesses in rural communities who he said are cut off from coverage. “Fans can't watch the game unless they purchase a subscription. Bars are forced to buy expensive commercial streaming packages that charge per television… For thousands of local bars and restaurants or small businesses across the state, especially in smaller towns, game days are a vital source of income, but they can't afford to spend the outrageous fees,” he said.
He also raised access concerns for students and rural residents, noting some areas of Ohio lack reliable high‑speed internet. “Students pay tens of thousands dollars each to attend universities, then they are told they have to buy subscriptions… Rural Ohioans are also left behind. Many areas in our state lack reliable high speed Internet,” DeMora said.
DeMora cited the NFL’s local-broadcast precedent as a model, saying local networks have the option to simulcast streaming games to reach viewers who lack subscriptions. He told the committee he had spoken with local broadcast outlets who expressed willingness to pay to carry games on local channels.
The hearing was a first hearing only; committee members did not move to amend or vote on the bill at this session. Senator DeMora offered to answer questions and none were offered before the committee closed the hearing on SB94.
