Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner bought a 30‑second spot during a Red Sox broadcast, blaming private‑equity owners for “destroying our favorite baseball team.” New England Sports Network, owned by the Red Sox and Bruins, halted the ad mid‑game, saying it violated intellectual‑property rules. Platner reposted the cut footage, alleging the network suppressed his message. The episode ignited a debate over campaign ads on cable networks.

NESN defended the pull, noting the creative used images of Fenway Park and a house without clearance. Campaign finance data show the Platner operation spent roughly $14,000 on NESN airtime last week, a modest outlay for a Senate race. The ad referenced a 2021 RedBird Capital Partners deal that gave the firm an 11% stake in the Red Sox.

Platner is challenging incumbent Republican Susan Collins in a contest that could tip Senate control. Critics, including the Collins campaign, say his populist ad distracts from his record, while supporters argue it taps regional frustration over the team’s last‑place standing. The incident underscores how ownership structures in regional sports networks can become flashpoints in high‑stakes political battles.