DOJ opens antitrust investigation over NFL’s media deals and fan access

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into whether the National Football League’s television and streaming agreements limit competition and drive up costs for fans.

The inquiry, first reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by sources to ABC News, centers on whether the league’s current media strategy unfairly pushes viewers toward paid subscriptions. “This is about affordability and creating an even playing field for providers,” a government official said.

At the heart of the review is the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which allows the NFL to negotiate national TV rights collectively without violating antitrust laws—but only for traditional broadcast television. Courts have previously ruled that this exemption does not extend to cable, satellite, or streaming platforms, where more games are now being placed. The stakes surrounding the exemption are high. Without it, teams would likely have to negotiate TV deals individually, potentially creating major financial disparities and disrupting the league’s structure.

Today, watching the full NFL slate often requires multiple subscriptions. Games such as “Monday Night Football” on ESPN, “Thursday Night Football” on Prime Video, select playoff matchups, and holiday games on Netflix are not always available without paid services. Even so, all games are still aired for free on local broadcast stations in the markets of the teams playing.

The NFL defended its model, stating: “The NFL’s media distribution model is the most fan and broadcaster-friendly in the entire sports and entertainment industry,” adding that more than 87% of games remain on free TV and that every local market game is accessible without a subscription. The league also pointed to record viewership in the 2025 season as evidence of its reach.

Concerns about accessibility have been growing. Lawmakers, regulators, and media companies have questioned whether the league’s approach still aligns with the intent of its antitrust exemption, particularly as streaming services become more prominent. Senator Mike Lee, who chairs a key antitrust subcommittee, has been especially vocal, noting that fans may spend hundreds—if not nearly $1,000—per season to follow all games across platforms.

Federal agencies are also taking a closer look. The Federal Communications Commission recently sought public input on how the shift toward streaming impacts viewers, while lawmakers have asked major sports leagues to justify whether their antitrust protections remain appropriate.

The issue comes amid massive and potentially growing media deals. The NFL’s current agreements with networks and tech platforms run into the next decade, but the league has the option to renegotiate as early as 2029. Reports suggest it is already exploring higher fees, with partners like CBS potentially facing significant increases.

Legal challenges have also surfaced. In 2024, a federal jury found the NFL violated antitrust laws in how it distributed its out-of-market “Sunday Ticket” package, awarding billions in damages. However, a judge later overturned that verdict due to flawed expert testimony. The package has since moved from DirecTV to YouTube TV.

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