NESN Pulls Senate Candidate's Red Sox Attack Ad Midgame, Citing IP Violations
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 24
NESN Pulls Senate Candidate's Red Sox Attack Ad Midgame, Citing IP Violations
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 24
NESN removed Graham Platner’s ad during a Red Sox broadcast after it had already begun airing, the Maine Democratic Senate candidate’s campaign said.
The network confirmed the takedown, saying the commercial used unauthorized third-party intellectual property and failed to meet its advertising standards, though it did not specify what material triggered the decision.
Platner quickly publicized the move on social media, recirculating the spot, which blames private equity for having “destroyed our favorite baseball team.”
The clash lands in one of 2026’s highest-stakes Senate races and draws extra scrutiny because NESN is owned by the Red Sox and the Boston Bruins.
What is the line between political commentary and unauthorized use of a sports team’s brand?
When a network's owner is attacked in an ad, is pulling it brand protection or censorship?