New Orleans to lose future Super Bowl games?

[John Corn]

I just read in the new SPORTS WEEKLY that there is a bill in the Louisiana General Assembly that would bar Saints games from being blacked out. The reasoning is that as many people as possible should be able to see Saints games every week, because their tax dollars are subsidizing the Saints franchise. In response to this, the NFL has told them that New Orleans could lose out on hosting future Super Bowl games if this bill passes.

[DCSholtis]

Louisiana can't do that, Can they?!!!...I thought NFL Blackouts had something to do with Congressional action years ago. Am I correct?!!

[BobMurdoch]

Philadelphia should pass a similar law NOW then. They aren't getting Super Bowls in Philly anytime soon..........

[Sandman]

This may help explain. The Saints are a privately owned team (Tom Benson) but the state subsides the team, they built the training facility and are currently building an indoor practice field for rainy day practices, the Saints pay no rent to use the superdome which is owned by the state, and all revenues generated in the superdome whether game related or not goes to the Saints, Tom Benson has to be one of the greediest NFL owners that has ever existed, and he lives in San Antonio, on the other hand La has some of the stupidest politicians. Now Benson is saying that if he does not get a new stadium he is leaving, good riddance...

Bob

[SamC]

The legal doctrine here is called "pre-emption". If the federal government regulates something they have power over, and broadcasting is something they have power over, then the states can't.

Such a law would be voided by a federal court in a few seconds.

[RichW]

Ah, but it is not the broadcasters who are instituting the blackout, but the NFL. And the FCC is regualting nothing here. Basically the State of LA is perfectly within their rights to demand this of the team and the league. The team and the league, likewise have a right to move the franchise (unless prohibited by contract) and to do whatever else is in theri best interest. I personally would like to see the state call benson's bluff. He has a sweet deal there and he knows it.