Sports Leagues Back Legislation to Disable Unauthorized Drones
The NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR have thrown their support behind a new bill introduced in Congress that would enable state and local law enforcement to disable drones during sporting events. These leagues see the bill as crucial in combating an increasing threat posed by unauthorized drones.
The DEFENSE Act: Addressing the Drone Threat
The proposed legislation, known as the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, aims to empower local law enforcement with the necessary tools to ensure citizen safety. Sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), the bill seeks to close a critical gap in security.
“Local law enforcement already protects the perimeter of these events,” explained Cotton. “We expect them to stop a dump truck that would cause harm, so we need to give them the tools to protect the airspace from weapons and biological threats.”
The Current State of Drone Regulation
Currently, only federal law enforcement agencies like the FAA have the authority to disable unauthorized drones at major sporting events. This limitation is particularly problematic for smaller events and less prominent stadiums, where federal presence is minimal.
“Federal agents represent a small fraction of law enforcement,” Cotton stated. “Not enough are available to man large-scale sporting events on-site.”
Support from Major Leagues
The DEFENSE Act has garnered support from the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR, reflecting their shared concerns about security. MLB’s senior vice president of security and ballpark operations, David Thomas, emphasized the bill’s potential impact: “If enacted, this legislation would dramatically increase the security of our stadiums and the safety of the 70 million fans who attend our games annually.”
Incidents Highlighting the Need for Change
Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the proposed legislation. In January 2024, the AFC Championship Game was paused after a drone entered the restricted airspace of M&T Bank Stadium. The drone operator was later convicted of violating national defense airspace.
More recently, a wild-card game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers was interrupted when a drone flew over the stadium. The operator faces multiple federal charges.
Cotton expressed the need to address these threats seriously: “Many drones around large athletic events are hobbyists or enthusiasts or practical jokers. But we can’t take the risk of fan lives because some of these drones can be equipped to carry explosives or biological weapons.”
Scope and Requirements of the DEFENSE Act
The bill would apply to sporting events with designation of temporary flight restrictions, including stadiums and ballparks seating over 30,000, and outdoor gatherings attracting more than 100,000 people. This includes all NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division I football games, NASCAR, IndyCar, and Champ Series races.
To ensure effectiveness, the DEFENSE Act mandates that eligible law enforcement officers complete counter-drone training. Additionally, federal agencies must compile a list of approved drone mitigation technology.
Methods of Disabling Drones
There are several methods to disable drones, according to Michael Robbins, president and CEO of the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). These include:
- Locating and persuading the operator to land the drone
- Jamming the drone’s radio frequency
- Catching the drone with a net
- Ramming it with another drone
- Shooting it down
Opposition to the DEFENSE Act
While the sports leagues and Cotton see the DEFENSE Act as a critical measure for security, some opponents raise privacy concerns. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) blocked a similar bill in 2023, citing potential violations of Americans’ privacy rights.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Paul emphasized: “History has shown us time and time again how fear and manufactured urgency are used as pretext to expand government power at the expense of freedom.”
Historical Context and League Efforts
For several years, major sports organizations have lobbied for greater authority to address unauthorized drones. The NCAA, in particular, has expressed concern over the threat these devices pose to championships and college sporting events.
Tim Buckley, the NCAA’s senior vice president of external affairs, highlighted the priority of safety: “The safety of the competitors, fans, and staff that work at NCAA events is our top priority.”
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Security
The DEFENSE Act represents an attempt to strike a balance between enhancing security at sporting events and safeguarding individual privacy. While critics express concerns, the majority of major sports leagues see the bill as a necessary step to protect against potential threats.
As incidents of unauthorized drones increase, the debate over drone regulations will likely continue. The DEFENSE Act stands as a significant point in this ongoing conversation.
As this legislation moves forward, it will be crucial to weigh security needs against privacy concerns. Fans, policymakers, and concerned citizens must stay informed and engaged in shaping how technology and public safety intersect.
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