NFL, MLB, Other Leagues Could Soon Get Counter-Drone Support

NFL in 2024 experienced more than 2,800 drone incursions into the temporary flight restrictions around its stadiums.

Jack Daleo

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A November 2023 NFL game at M&T Bank Stadium, home to the Baltimore Ravens, was halted twice because of a rogue drone. [Credit: Joey Pulone/Baltimore Ravens]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. House passed the Safer Skies Act, contained within the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, to address a significant increase in unauthorized drone incursions at professional sports events and large public gatherings.
This legislation extends the authority to intercept or take down rogue drones from a few federal agencies to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments.
SLTT entities will undergo mandatory training and certification, utilize federally approved counter-drone technology, and can receive federal grants to bolster airspace security, especially in preparation for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and other American professional sports leagues could soon receive some much-needed support to counter a spike in drone incursions.

The U.S. House on Wednesday voted 312-112 to pass the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains a little-known but consequential provision called the Safer Skies Act.