Lawmakers Examine NFL Streaming Costs Amid Viewer Concerns

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, leads a congressional discussion around the NFL’s escalating streaming practices and costs. He scrutinizes the NFL’s adherence to the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act, highlighting antitrust issues as fans face steep prices to view games on various platforms. Jordan stresses the necessity for affordable NFL access for all fans, not only those purchasing costly packages.

Last week’s New England Patriots-Seattle Seahawks game ranks as the NFL’s lowest-rated opener since 2022, attracting 25.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock. This reflects a 12% decrease from the previous season’s Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles opener, which had 28.3 million viewers on the same networks. Despite recent changes in Nielsen’s measurement system, the year-over-year decline and the long-term downward trend are significant.

The NFL and NBC might attribute the drop to the opener being broadcast on a Wednesday for the first time. Traditionally, Thursday is a higher viewership night. Moving the game likely impacted the ratings. However, that still highlights a scheduling consequence rather than an excuse.

Understanding why the NFL commenced its season on a Wednesday involves grasping the league’s strategy. The NFL views streaming and international games as growth opportunities. Yet, the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 limits NFL telecasts on most Friday nights during high school and college football seasons. Consequently, the Los Angeles Rams-San Francisco 49ers game in Australia moved to Thursday, pushing the Patriots-Seahawks game to Wednesday. The change underscores the league’s scheduling challenges.

Additionally, the NFL will broadcast another Wednesday game on Netflix just before Thanksgiving. The season includes four Friday games, with one on Black Friday and three on Christmas Day. Nine games will be international matchups.

While more games are available, the expanded schedule risks lower-quality football. Fans observed last season that extra games, non-traditional days, travel demands, and limited rest impacted team readiness. Games played in short order often appeared less polished.

Viewership decline for the recent Wednesday opener is unsurprising. The Patriots-Seahawks game was sluggish. People had to adjust their schedules, and another prime game followed the next night. Despite the ratings drop, viewership still surpassed NBA Finals numbers, emphasizing the NFL’s dominance in entertainment.

However, fan fatigue and frustration are mounting. Commissioner Roger Goodell overlooks NFL viewers’ growing concern over the costs tied to diverse networks and streaming platforms required to watch games.

OutKick noted during the summer that the strategy of increased pricing for lesser value often falters. The NFL presumes it avoids this rule. Current viewing trends suggest the league may overestimate its position.

Bobby Burack, OutKick writer, discusses these viewership and cost issues relating to the NFL’s ongoing expansion.