Lawmaker Looks to Ban Exclusive Airing of Ohio State Football on Streaming Platforms

In recent years, the landscape of sports broadcasting has seen a massive shift. With streaming platforms becoming a dominant force in how fans access their favorite shows and sports, traditional television networks have faced significant challenges. For fans of college football, this transformation has been particularly pronounced, with major programs like Ohio State University making deals with streaming platforms to air games exclusively online. Now, a new legislative development is making waves: an Ohio lawmaker has proposed a bill to ban the exclusive airing of Ohio State football games on streaming platforms, and it’s raising important questions about the intersection of sports, technology, and government intervention.

The proposed bill, introduced by a state senator, aims to ensure that Ohio State’s football games are available to all fans, regardless of their subscription status to particular streaming services. The bill is grounded in the belief that public access to major sports programs should not be restricted by platform exclusivity, which may leave large portions of the fanbase without access to the games they love. This move comes amidst growing concern over the increasing dominance of streaming services in the sports media landscape and the potential for exclusionary practices that could limit access to live events for certain groups of people.

The Shift to Streaming Platforms

Over the past decade, the way that people consume media has undergone a dramatic transformation. With the advent of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, consumers have shifted away from traditional cable and satellite television packages. This shift has not only impacted how people watch movies and TV shows but has also fundamentally changed the way sports are broadcasted. Major streaming platforms, such as ESPN+, Peacock, and Apple TV, have entered the fray, securing broadcasting rights to major sports leagues and events.

College football, one of the most popular sports in America, has not been immune to this shift. Networks that once dominated the broadcast of college football games—such as ABC, CBS, and ESPN—are now facing competition from streaming giants. Ohio State University, one of the top college football programs in the country, has been part of this transition. The university has increasingly turned to streaming services to broadcast its games, particularly those that might not be featured on traditional broadcast television.

In particular, the Big Ten Conference, to which Ohio State belongs, has entered into lucrative broadcasting agreements with streaming platforms. In 2022, the Big Ten announced a massive media rights deal, valued at over $7 billion, which included partnerships with CBS, Fox, NBC, and streaming services like Peacock. This deal significantly changed the landscape for college football fans, as certain games, especially those that were previously available only on cable or broadcast television, were now only available on streaming platforms.

The Lawmaker’s Concerns

The lawmaker pushing for the ban on exclusive streaming broadcasts of Ohio State football games argues that the growing trend of airing games exclusively on streaming platforms is hurting fans. He argues that these platforms—while offering convenience and access for some viewers—are creating a barrier for many others, especially those who may not have access to high-speed internet or the means to afford multiple streaming subscriptions.

“It’s about making sure that every Ohio State fan has the opportunity to watch their team,” said the lawmaker in a statement supporting the bill. “College football, particularly Ohio State football, is not just entertainment—it’s a cultural touchstone for so many people in Ohio. To restrict access to these games based solely on what streaming platform someone subscribes to is unfair and exclusionary.”

The lawmaker’s concerns are not without merit. While streaming services have revolutionized how sports are consumed, they have also created new challenges for fans. For one, streaming platforms often require a stable and fast internet connection, which can be an issue for rural or underserved communities. In some areas, access to high-speed internet is still limited, meaning that people in those regions may struggle to watch the games they love. Additionally, subscription fees for multiple streaming services can quickly add up, particularly for fans who want to watch games across multiple leagues or sports.

The lawmaker has argued that college football, especially games featuring iconic programs like Ohio State, should be available on platforms that do not require extra costs or technological barriers. This includes traditional broadcast television, which remains a more accessible option for many fans. By banning the exclusive airing of Ohio State football on streaming platforms, the bill aims to ensure that games are available on free or more widely available services, making the sport more inclusive.

The Impact on Ohio State Fans

Ohio State football has one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in the country. The Buckeyes are consistently ranked among the top college football teams, and their games are often watched by millions of fans across the nation. This makes the issue of accessibility particularly important, as the program’s games are a central part of Ohio State’s culture and tradition.

For many fans, watching Ohio State football is a family event, a shared experience that brings together communities and sparks a sense of pride. However, with more games being moved to streaming platforms, many fans have found themselves left out of the action. Some have to pay for multiple subscriptions to various streaming services, which can be a financial burden. Others, especially in rural areas or lower-income neighborhoods, may struggle with the technical requirements to stream games at all.

This disconnect has caused frustration among many loyal Ohio State fans, who feel that the move to streaming platforms is making it harder for them to stay connected to their team. These fans argue that the university, which has enjoyed tremendous financial success due to its football program, should be doing more to ensure that games are accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic or technological situation.

One Ohio State fan expressed her frustrations, saying, “I’ve been a season ticket holder for years, and now it feels like I’m being left behind. Not everyone can afford to have subscriptions to every streaming platform. I just want to watch the games the way I’ve always been able to, without jumping through hoops.”

For many fans, it’s not just about the cost of the subscriptions; it’s about the principle of access. College football, and particularly Ohio State football, is deeply ingrained in the state’s culture. For fans in Ohio, the games are more than just entertainment—they are a source of community pride and a way to bond with friends and family. For these fans, the idea of having their access to the games limited by streaming exclusivity feels like an unfair disadvantage.

The Legislative Response: A Complex Debate

The proposed bill to ban the exclusive airing of Ohio State football games on streaming platforms has sparked a heated debate across the state and beyond. While many fans have rallied behind the lawmaker’s proposal, there are also strong arguments against such legislation. Critics argue that government intervention in broadcasting rights could set a dangerous precedent and interfere with free market principles.

Some opponents of the bill contend that the state should not be in the business of regulating how private entities choose to distribute content. They argue that media companies, including streaming services, should be free to negotiate contracts with sports programs as they see fit. By introducing such a law, critics say, the government could undermine the economic viability of streaming platforms and limit their ability to compete in the ever-evolving sports media landscape.

“I understand the concern, but I don’t think the government should be involved in determining how games are broadcasted,” said a media industry expert. “Streaming platforms have invested significant amounts of money in securing broadcasting rights, and they should be able to decide how they distribute that content. It’s a business decision, and government intervention could create more problems than it solves.”

Others argue that the solution lies in finding ways to make streaming more accessible to a wider audience, rather than imposing a ban. Some have suggested expanding broadband access to rural areas, offering more affordable subscription options, or providing over-the-air broadcasts of select games. These solutions would allow fans to enjoy the games while respecting the economic realities of the sports media industry.

Moving Forward: The Future of Sports Broadcasting

The debate over exclusive streaming broadcasts of Ohio State football is just one example of the larger conversation taking place about the future of sports media. As streaming services continue to grow in influence, traditional broadcast television faces increasing challenges. For fans, the hope is that the industry can find a balance that ensures wide access to their favorite sports while also allowing for continued innovation in how games are delivered.

For Ohio State, the decision to air games on streaming platforms reflects the larger trends in college sports broadcasting. As athletic departments and conferences secure multi-billion-dollar media deals, the pressure to adapt to the changing landscape will only increase. However, the pushback from fans—especially those who feel left out of the new system—reminds us that the sports world is about more than just television contracts and revenue. It’s about fans, communities, and the traditions that make college football so special.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, one thing is clear: the conversation about how college football is broadcasted will continue to evolve. Whether or not the bill passes, the debate will likely set the stage for future discussions about how to ensure sports remain accessible to all fans, regardless of technological barriers or subscription fees.