The Senator of Ohio State Bill Demora, D-Columbus, presented a bill that prohibits Ohio State and other Ohio universities to disseminate their games exclusively on streaming services.
The bill would prohibit the universities of the State to conclude contracts with the services, which have resumed sporting events since the start of the decade.
A Demora spokesperson told PK Press Club Digital that universities would be required to “provide students with access to university sporting events (broadcast) for free”.
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The defensive winger Jack Sawyer (33 years old) of the Ohio State Buckeyes retreats a escaped recovery for a hit against the Texas Longhorns in the university football semi-final at the Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10, 2025, at the AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas. (David Buono / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“The greed of Big Ten and multinational streaming companies places an unreasonable burden on small businesses in Ohio, which are based on their ability to disseminate games,” said Demora in 2023 when he first announced his intention to present the legislation.
“Paying thousands of dollars to broadcast a game is a ridiculous requirement for small businesses. This problem is entirely created by public institutions seeking to make a profit.”
Demora initially made its proposal after the Ohio State was about to take purpum that year exclusively on Peacock. Demora said it was the first time in about 20 years, he was unable to watch an Ohio football match on regular television, according to NBC Columbus.
The Senator of the State of Ohio, William P. Demora, of the 25th district, speaks during a debate on the advisability of prevailing on the veto of Bill 68 of Governor Mike Dewine. (Brooke Lavalley / Columbus Dispatch / USA Today Network)
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“I refuse to pay all these streaming networks to watch Ohio State and other sports. … Streaming television is not good for sport,” said Demora.
The victory of the Buckeyes against the Michigan State in September was also broadcast on Peacock after the Big Ten signed a seven-year contract with the company in 2022. Basketball matches were broadcast on Peacock and the Big Tenwork streaming platform.
The realignment of conferences led to new rights agreements through college athletics, and Big Ten matches were often presented on NBC last season.
Amazon Prime Video and Netflix now broadcast NFL games in prime time, while Apple TV has displayed MLB and MLS games. Netflix has also operated combat sports.
Ohio State students stormed the Ohio stadium after the Buckeyes won the national title. (Imagn)
The National University Football Championship was shown on cable television, then Demora was able to see its buckeyes win everything.
