In the News: Chris Deubert Quoted on Antitrust Scrutiny of Sports Broadcasting
Constangy senior counsel Chris Deubert was recently quoted in an Awful Announcing article regarding the growing antitrust scrutiny surrounding professional sports broadcasting rights and streaming distribution models. The article explores whether Major League Baseball and other professional sports leagues could face legal challenges as lawmakers and regulators increasingly question the scope of longstanding antitrust protections for collectively negotiated media rights.
Chris discussed the evolving legal landscape surrounding baseball’s antitrust exemption and the Sports Broadcasting Act, noting that although there has been increased discussion at the Supreme Court level about whether baseball’s exemption still makes sense, significant legislative or judicial changes remain unlikely in the near term.
The article also highlights broader federal scrutiny of sports media fragmentation and streaming exclusivity arrangements, including Department of Justice inquiries into whether professional leagues’ media practices may be contributing to rising costs and reduced access for consumers.
To read the full article, click here.
Chris Deubert advises clients across the sports industry, including professional teams, leagues, athletes, and agents, on labor and employment matters, litigation, league compliance, sports betting, intellectual property, and corporate governance. He brings more than 15 years of experience in law firms, in-house roles, and academia, combining practical, business-minded solutions with deep legal expertise. Chris previously served as General Counsel for D.C. United of Major League Soccer, overseeing legal, operational, and HR matters, and has managed global employment disputes for Hilton Hotels & Resorts. He has also published extensively on sports law and provided commentary for Forbes.com.
