NFL to Cancel TV Blackout Policy for 2015 Season: Latest Details and Reaction

The NFL is going to experiment with abolishing an unpopular rule in 2015, as the league won't enforce broadcast blackout rules on home games that don't sell the required number of tickets.

Kevin Clark of The Wall Street Journal first reported the news:

As Andrew Brandt of ESPN noted on Outside the Lines Monday, the blackout rules are "archaic." Brandt suggested that while the NFL is constantly fighting the at-home viewing experience in an effort to sell tickets, the league's revenue stream is slanted toward broadcast rights, and teams make a lot of money from broadcasting their games.

Brandt also noted that pressure coming from both the FCC and Congress is at least partially behind the league's decision to experiment with no blackout rules in 2015. On cue, Arizona Sen. John McCain tweeted his thoughts on the NFL's announcement:

While certain teams and cities generally haven't had an issue with blackouts, other areas that have had problems selling out games will be relieved at Monday's news. Going to an NFL game isn't a cheap experience, and for many fans, the only chance they will have to see their team is on television.

Brennan Linsley/Associated Press

While there weren't any blackouts last year, that hasn't always been the case, as Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego noted:

For at least one year, those fans and areas that have been subjected to blackouts won't have to worry about missing the games. It wouldn't be surprising if this change becomes permanent.