DOJ Investigates NFL’s Streaming Deals Amid Antitrust Concerns

The Justice Department is examining the NFL’s exclusive streaming agreements. This follows fan dissatisfaction over limited and costly access. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questions the NFL’s special antitrust exemption from the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley believes Congress must review the NFL’s monopoly, noting its $25 billion yearly revenue and rising fan expenses.

A report by the House Judiciary Committee, led by Jim Jordan, criticizes the NFL. It argues the league ignored the narrow limits of the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. This exemption helped the NFL grow into a massive sports empire, but at the cost of limiting consumer options and increasing prices.

The Sports Broadcasting Act was designed to keep games on free TV and support a struggling league. Since 1961, the exemption has transformed the NFL into a global sports media power, stretching its narrow boundaries.

The report, discussed by the committee, focuses on the league’s Sunday Ticket package. It highlights a 2024 jury verdict finding the NFL guilty of antitrust violations. This resulted in over $4.796 billion in damages to plaintiffs. Although a judge later vacated the verdict, the committee claims this decision was incorrect.

Streaming service EverPass Media will be the exclusive provider for NFL Sunday Ticket starting in 2026. The report details how Sunday Ticket users are often fans seeking out-of-market games. Page 18 outlines that ESPN proposed a $70 per season Sunday Ticket package, which the NFL opposed, maintaining a higher price.

The committee claims these decisions restrict consumer choice, forcing fans into higher-priced packages. The NFL’s agreements with various broadcasting channels are scrutinized within the narrow antitrust exemption.

The findings suggest the NFL’s portrayal of Sunday Ticket serves less for avid NFL fans and more for those without other options to watch their favorite team. The report argues the league’s television rights structure is unsustainable under its current antitrust exemption.

Additionally, contrary to the NFL’s claim of 87 percent of games being available on free TV, the report finds significantly fewer games are accessible depending on location and week. The committee suggests legislative scrutiny and potential antitrust challenges if the NFL’s media model does not change voluntarily.

The NFL continues to resist these narratives, defending its business model crucial to its operations. If the exemption faces restrictions, the league may have to allow individual teams to negotiate TV rights, disrupting revenue sharing and competitive balance.