NFL, MLB back anti-drone bill

The NFL and Major League Baseball have endorsed a bill to enhance security at sporting events by ensuring that state and local law enforcement authorities have the ability to disable drones during games.

The Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralising Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act was introduced by Senators Tom Cotton and Jacky Rosen. The bill has also been endorsed by NASCAR, the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The bill aims to enhance security at major outdoor gatherings and sporting events by ensuring that state and local law enforcement have the authority and tools necessary to protect such events from aerial threats in real time, rather than waiting for federal intervention.

The bill will require the Department of Justice, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Communications Commission, and National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create a list of approved technology that local and state law enforcement officers can use to address these threats.

According to the NFL, the league experienced more than 2,800 drone incursions around its stadiums during the 2023 season. A game last year between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs had to be paused after a drone entered the airspace above M&T Bank Stadium.

Cathy Lanier, chief security officer at the NFL, said: “The NFL thanks Senators Cotton and Rosen for introducing the DEFENSE Act. As the threat of illicit drone use continues to rise, it is critical that our partners in local law enforcement have the tools and resources they need to keep fans safe. The league strongly supports this legislation, which will help keep fans safe at major sporting events across the country.”

David Thomas, MLB’s senior vice-president of security and ballpark operations, added: “For several years, MLB has urged Congress to address the growing and unmitigated threat which unauthorised unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) pose to major sporting venues.

“The Cotton-Rosen legislation would enable the employment of counter-drone technology by well-trained state and local law enforcement to protect our stadiums and sporting venues nationwide. 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.

“We look forward to working with Senator Cotton, Senator Rosen and other members of Congress to advance this critical piece of legislation for the benefit of our fans, players, and employees.”