NFL’s most successful franchise warns ‘existential’ broadcast law change could end team after 106 years

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The Green Bay Packers punch well above their weight.Despite going up against powerhouses in massive media markets like Dallas, New York and Los Angeles, Green Bay’s 13 championships are more than any other team.Lambeau Field will soon become the NFL’s oldest stadiumGettyFounded in 1919, only the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears have a longer history in the NFL than the the Packers — a member since 1921.But according to the team, an upcoming hearing in the House Judiciary Committee could put that proud history in peril.The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 allows professional sports leagues to negotiate collective broadcast deals.In 2025, every NFL team took an equal $432 million share from the revenue pot made up of sources including TV rights packages.It is a major boost for those based in markets like Green Bay, which has a league-low 456,000 TV households, Buffalo (613k) and Kansas City (986k).New York leads the way with 7.43 million and would blow other areas out of the water even when the split between the Giants and Jets is considered.The House Judiciary Committee review into the SBA could bring changes and Packers execs are worried.They have sent a letter to Wisconsin lawmakers urging them to consider the potential fallout.“Those agreements gave stability and viability for small-market teams, especially the Packers. The Packers are the biggest example of that,” said Aaron Popkey, the Packers’ director of public affairs.Prior to 1961, teams sold their media rights individually.Shared broadcast revenue allows all teams a shot at being competitiveGettyThe Packers’ unique ownership model has worked wellGettyThe subcommittee began its review in August and requested a briefing with NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL owners, citing anti-trust cases.FOX 11 claims Popkey branded a potential change to the SBA an “existential threat.”“It’s crucially important to the Green Bay Packers and how that structure has enabled the Packers to survive and even thrive as the smallest market in pro sports, by far,” he added.Scott Fitzgerald, R-5th District; Glenn Grothman, R-6th District; and Tom Tiffany, R-7th District are the Wisconsin representatives on the Committee. “The Judiciary Committee is examining how the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 affects fan viewership options, particularly as college NIL issues continue to evolve. I am committed to ensuring Wisconsin sports fans have access to their teams’ games without having to pay for multiple cable and streaming packages,” Fitzgerald told FOX 11.The Packers are the only fan-owned team in the NFL thanks to a structure dating back to 1923.NFL Stadium StatusChicago Bears – NFL’s second-oldest franchise ready to abandon state as $5bn stadium project delayed againKansas City Chiefs – Chiefs owner issues response as Kansas City’s $4bn cross-state relocation plan hits roadblockJacksonville Jaguars – $5.6bn NFL team to relocate 150 miles away to 90-year-old stadium as decision madeCleveland Browns – NFL team stung by new $2.6bn stadium as owners release statementTennessee Titans – Inside $2.2bn NFL stadium revealed as new ‘stolen’ uniforms and logo slammed after leakIt strictly prevents relocation and Lambeau Field is set to become the oldest stadium in the league when the Chicago Bears leave Soldier Field.Current president and CEO Ed Policy is in charge of the team in lieu of a traditional owner, having taken over the role in 2025.Matt LeFleur was never going to be firedHe threw his support behind coach Matt LeFleur after another disappointing postseason performance ended in defeat to the rival Bears“Matt is a teacher. He’s a natural at it. His parents were both teachers,” Policy said, via The Athletic. “Just watching him develop players as individuals and then, more importantly, develop those individuals into teams over the last seven years, I’ve been very impressed with him in particular at the quarterback position.“That, coupled with the locker room supports him, from Jordan (Love) to the rest of the locker room. “You guys have probably all had a chance to talk to many of those guys. They support him openly and they support him behind closed doors.“I think he’s the winningest — you guys can correct me if I’m wrong — in his time in the league as a head coach, I think he’s the winningest NFC coach and I think the third-winningest coach in the NFL in those seven years.“Frankly, the fact that I was being asked, is firing him even an option at that point? I was a little bit shocked by that.”Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for news, exclusive interviews and more.