Carr’s remarks come as the Department of Justice investigates the league amid growing public frustration that following favorite teams has become too fragmented, costly, and complicated for average American households.
“That experience has become frustrating for lots of Americans over the years,” Carr told CNBC.
The FCC chairman cautioned that if the NFL’s aggressive shift toward streaming services worsens, regulatory scrutiny could broaden beyond the Justice Department to include the FCC and even Congress. He argued that such a move threatens the league’s special legal protections, which have historically shielded it from certain antitrust challenges.
Carr first raised the issue in recent weeks, highlighting how the NFL’s broadcasting strategy — once centered on free over-the-air television — has evolved into a patchwork of premium cable packages, streaming exclusives, and pay-per-view options. Many fans now face a confusing array of subscriptions to catch every game, driving up costs and alienating traditional audiences.
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| Brendan Carr |
The NFL has defended its approach, citing the need to adapt to changing viewer habits and generate revenue in a competitive media landscape. However, consumer complaints have mounted, with reports of households paying hundreds of dollars annually just to access regular-season games that once aired freely on broadcast networks.
Carr’s comments signal potential bipartisan momentum in Washington to examine professional sports leagues’ media practices. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed concern about the accessibility of major sporting events, traditionally viewed as part of the public airwaves’ cultural fabric.
The Justice Department’s ongoing investigation is expected to review the NFL’s broadcasting agreements and market power, with Carr’s Tuesday statements adding pressure on the league to reconsider its streaming-heavy strategy before facing wider regulatory consequences.