The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the NFL to examine whether the league has engaged in anticompetitive practices that could harm consumers.
According to the The Wall Street Journal, the probe is expected to focus on how the NFL distributes its games across various platforms, particularly as more matchups move to subscription-based streaming services.
At the center of the issue is the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which gives leagues like the NFL an antitrust exemption to pool and sell broadcasting rights collectively. While this has enabled massive league-wide TV deals, the growing number of streaming partners—such as Amazon and Netflix—has made it increasingly expensive for fans to access every game.
The issue has also drawn attention from federal regulators. The FCC previously sought public feedback on how these media deals impact consumers, and Senator Mike Lee called for a formal review. He noted that fans may spend close to $1,000 per season on cable and streaming subscriptions to watch all NFL games.
Despite the scrutiny, the NFL maintains that its model remains accessible, pointing out that the majority of games are still available on free local television.
Looking ahead, the league’s media strategy may continue to evolve. The NFL currently has a deal with Netflix to stream Christmas Day games through 2032, and Commissioner Roger Goodell has indicated that existing media rights agreements could be revisited as early as next year.