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The NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR are backing a new bill that would allow state and local law enforcement to ban drones during sporting events, addressing what leagues see as a growing safety threat.
A Push for Stronger Security
The Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, introduced by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), aims to give local authorities the tools to take down unauthorized drones.
“Local law enforcement already protects the perimeter of these events,” Cotton told ESPN. “We already expect them to stop a dump truck that would cause harm, so we need to also give them the tools to protect the airspace from weapons and biological threats.”
Right now, only federal law enforcement can disable drones at high-profile events like the Super Bowl, World Series, Rose Bowl, and Boston Marathon. But most sporting events—like regular-season NFL and MLB games—don’t have federal agents on-site with the legal authority to act quickly against drone threats.
Cotton believes federal resources aren’t enough. “Federal agents make up only a small fraction of law enforcement,” he said. “We need local and state authorities to help protect restricted airspace.”
Leagues Call for Action
In a statement, MLB’s senior vice president of security and ballpark operations, David Thomas, said the bill could significantly improve safety.
“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,” Thomas said.
The NFL reported over 2,800 drone intrusions during the 2023 season, despite the FAA’s restriction on airspace within three nautical miles of stadiums from one hour before to one hour after games. The problem became even more apparent during the AFC Championship Game between the Ravens and Chiefs, when a drone entered the restricted airspace, causing a temporary stoppage. The operator later pleaded guilty to violating national defense airspace.
A similar incident occurred on Jan. 11, 2024, when a drone disrupted a wild-card game between the Ravens and Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. The alleged operator now faces multiple federal charges.
Sen. Cotton warned that while some drone operators may be hobbyists or pranksters, the risk is too high to ignore.
“Some drones are just being used for fun,” he said. “But they can also carry explosives or, most chillingly, biological weapons.”
“Many drones around large athletic events are hobbyists or enthusiasts or practical jokers,” he said. “But we can’t take the risk of fan lives because some of these drones can also carry explosives or, most chillingly, some kind of biological weapon.”
Who Would Be Affected?
The bill would only apply to sporting events with temporary flight restrictions, including stadiums with more than 30,000 fans and outdoor gatherings with over 100,000 attendees. That means all NFL, MLB, and Division I college football games, as well as NASCAR, IndyCar, and Champ Series races, would be covered.
NFL chief security officer Cathy Lanier raised concerns in December, telling Congress that terrorist groups continue to target stadiums.
“Earlier this year, Islamic State propaganda specifically encouraged attacks on stadiums, including referencing the Paris Summer Olympics,” Lanier said. “Social media posts recently threatened drone attacks at the Cricket World Cup on Long Island.”
The bill would also require counter-drone training for law enforcement and direct federal agencies to develop a list of approved drone mitigation technologies.
How Law Enforcement Could Disable Drones
Law enforcement has several methods to disable unauthorized drones. In most cases, authorities try to locate the operator and order them to bring the drone down. If that’s not possible, they can use signal jamming technology to disrupt the drone’s connection, forcing it to land or return to its launch point. Other techniques include deploying interception drones or specialized equipment designed to neutralize aerial threats.
Most commercial drones are designed to land or return home when they lose connection with the operator.
Potential Roadblocks
While the bill has strong support from sports leagues, some lawmakers have raised privacy concerns.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) blocked a similar bill in 2023 that would have allowed local law enforcement to track drones. He warned against expanding government power at the expense of individual freedoms.
“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,” Paul said in December. “Surveillance powers could violate Americans’ privacy rights in the name of security.”
Despite opposition, leagues continue to lobby for greater drone enforcement. Tim Buckley, the NCAA’s senior vice president of external affairs, said the issue remains a major concern.
“For several years, the NCAA has expressed concern for the threat that unauthorized drones pose at NCAA championships and college sporting events,” Buckley said. “The safety of competitors, fans, and staff at NCAA events is our top priority.”
With support from the biggest sports leagues and growing concerns over drone-related disruptions, Congress now faces a decision on whether to expand law enforcement’s ability to protect stadium airspace.
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This report used information from ESPN.
