Stop Sports Blackouts Act of 2025

This bill would make TV providers give customers a rebate when channels go dark because of contract fights. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would set the rules and decide how big the rebate should be. The FCC must put these rules in place within 90 days after the bill becomes law. It covers times when cable or satellite companies stop showing programming that was part of a customer’s plan because of talks over carrying or retransmitting that programming.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Cable and satellite TV customers and their providers.
• What changes: If you lose access to channels in your plan during a blackout caused by programming negotiations, your provider must give you a rebate. The FCC will set the rules and the rebate amount.
• When: The FCC must issue these rules within 90 days after the bill becomes law.