A judge in Wisconsin has ruled that a state high school athletic association can restrict Internet rights for the streaming of live athletic competitons.

Associated Press reports that: “The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association sued The Post-Crescent of Appleton, its parent Gannett Co. and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association after the newspaper streamed live coverage of four football playoff games without WIAA permission. The newspaper wanted the judge to affirm its rights to live stream postseason tournaments, saying the WIAA is a public institution that is constitutionally required to give access to news organizations.

“In Thursday's decision, U.S. District Judge William Conley said the case was 'about commerce, and not the right to a free press.' Attorney Bob Dreps, who represented Gannett Co. and the newspaper association, said he's reviewing the decision and options for appeal.”