The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the National Football League (NFL) has engaged in anticompetitive practices that harm consumers, according to sources familiar with the inquiry.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the investigation will examine how the NFL’s media rights deals contribute to the increasing difficulty and cost for fans to watch their favorite games, particularly as content fragments across multiple cable and streaming platforms requiring various subscriptions.
This probe comes amid growing concerns from media companies, regulators, and members of Congress about consumer access to NFL games. Despite the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 granting the league limited antitrust protection for collective TV rights negotiation, a fragmented viewing landscape has emerged where consumers often need multiple subscriptions to watch all games.
Senator Mike Lee, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, recently sent a letter to the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission urging a review of the NFL's antitrust exemption. Lee highlighted the financial burden on fans, noting that "to watch every NFL game during the past season, football fans spent almost $1,000 on cable and streaming subscriptions." Earlier this year, the FCC also sought public comment on how these dynamics affect consumers.
The NFL, in response to such criticisms, has asserted its position as the "most fan-friendly league," stating that 87% of its games are available on local television. The league also notes that games shown on streaming services are simultaneously available in the local TV markets of the two playing teams.
Historically, the ability to watch NFL games has shifted dramatically; when the Sports Broadcasting Act was passed, most games were available over broadcast TV. Today, games are spread across a host of different channels and platforms, many requiring subscriptions.
The investigation emerges as the NFL is also seeking to potentially reopen its media deals with networks to secure higher rates, with an opt-out window after the 2029-30 season in its current agreements. Separately, the sale of CBS parent Paramount to Skydance Media has triggered a change-of-ownership clause, allowing the NFL to renegotiate its $2.1 billion annual agreement with Paramount. Sports rights, especially for NFL games, represent the largest content expense for media companies, which are simultaneously contending with shrinking traditional TV audiences.
This probe comes amid growing concerns from media companies, regulators, and members of Congress about consumer access to NFL games. Despite the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 granting the league limited antitrust protection for collective TV rights negotiation, a fragmented viewing landscape has emerged where consumers often need multiple subscriptions to watch all games.
Senator Mike Lee, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, recently sent a letter to the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission urging a review of the NFL's antitrust exemption. Lee highlighted the financial burden on fans, noting that "to watch every NFL game during the past season, football fans spent almost $1,000 on cable and streaming subscriptions." Earlier this year, the FCC also sought public comment on how these dynamics affect consumers.
Historically, the ability to watch NFL games has shifted dramatically; when the Sports Broadcasting Act was passed, most games were available over broadcast TV. Today, games are spread across a host of different channels and platforms, many requiring subscriptions.
The investigation emerges as the NFL is also seeking to potentially reopen its media deals with networks to secure higher rates, with an opt-out window after the 2029-30 season in its current agreements. Separately, the sale of CBS parent Paramount to Skydance Media has triggered a change-of-ownership clause, allowing the NFL to renegotiate its $2.1 billion annual agreement with Paramount. Sports rights, especially for NFL games, represent the largest content expense for media companies, which are simultaneously contending with shrinking traditional TV audiences.