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:

Professional sports leagues and major public events are experiencing a significant and increasing number of unauthorized drone incursions, posing serious security risks.
The U.S. House passed the Safer Skies Act, a provision within the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), to address this growing threat.
The act empowers state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments with the authority to intercept or take down rogue drones, a capability previously reserved for federal agencies.
This initiative includes provisions for training, certified counter-UAS technology, and federal grant money to enhance security, especially in anticipation of large events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

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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.