Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961

The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 is a U.S. law that allows professional sports leagues to sell broadcasting rights collectively, rather than individually. This means that leagues can negotiate TV deals together, which helps ensure that games are aired more widely and fairly, especially for local communities. It also protects live broadcasts from being interrupted by certain local broadcasts of games, preserving the intended viewer experience. Essentially, the act aims to promote sports viewership while supporting teams and broadcasters economically.