DOJ investigates NFL over streaming deals as antitrust exemption comes under scrutiny
The Justice Department is investigating the NFL’s exclusive streaming deals amid fan frustration over fragmented and paid access. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is questioning whether the league should retain its special antitrust exemption originally established by the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. Pakinomist contributor Jonathan Turley suggests Congress investigate the NFL’s monopoly structure, highlighting their $25 billion annual revenue and rising fan costs.
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“NFL RedZone” host Scott Hanson said he understands why fans are frustrated with the NFL and the number of services the league requires fans to watch the games.
Hanson, 54, said he is one of those people who goes out and buys all the services to watch the primetime games.
“There’s no shortage of conversation around that topic there. I’m a broadcaster, but I’m also a football fan. When I’m not on the air, on the NFL RedZone broadcast, I watch all the national stand-alone games. So I’m one of those people who gets this subscription, that subscription, this opportunity to watch all the latest games on Pakinomist,” Hanson Digital said to a frustration.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks with NFL Network’s Scott Hanson before Super Bowl LVI between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2022. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NFL fans who want access to all games must purchase YouTube TV for “NFL Sunday Ticket,” in addition to the expensive subscriptions to all the streaming services the NFL uses to broadcast games.
These streaming services are Amazon Prime, Peacock and Netflix. The combination of these respective services is over $1,500 per year, and that doesn’t include the fees that come with basic cable packages or the high-speed Wi-Fi needed to host the platforms.
Hanson said the NFL wants to be mindful of how it distributes its product.
“However, the NFL has made a statement saying they have more games on free TV, you know, traditional broadcast TV, the main old traditional broadcast networks than any other major sports league in North America, at least, which is true,” Hanson said.
FCC COMMISSIONERS BACK FRUSTRATED AMERICAN SPORTS FANS AS LEAGUES TURN TO STREAMING SERVICES
NFL Network’s Scott Hanson speaks onstage during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wis., on April 26, 2025. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“Yet the NFL wants to be mindful of how we serve the fans and how the product is distributed. They recognize that yes, okay, now you need this subscription, that subscription, this platform to be able to watch the games. It’s a balancing act.”
Hanson said the NFL has to balance making money while not appreciating the fans.
“The NFL is a for-profit business, right? It is. They make a lot of money. They also impact American society. So maximizing the business while keeping your fans as engaged and as passionate as the great NFL fans are is a balancing act that they’re going to try to find a good balance,” Hanson said.
The Justice Department has reportedly opened an investigation into the NFL over its use of streaming services.
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NFL Network host Scott Hanson presents on stage during Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., on April 29, 2023. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
A Pakinomist poll in March indicated that 72% of sports fans believe major sporting events should remain free-to-air on television, amid reports that the NFL is considering allowing teams to sell the rights to preseason games to streaming services.
FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty credited FCC Chairman Brendan Carr with identifying that “the public interest is no longer served and the need for government immunity is less clear” at a recent news conference.
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“In fact, more than 8,000 people submitted comments to the FCC — with 98% of those comments expressing frustration with the streaming migration and their hope that broadcasting will remain the preeminent platform for watching their favorite teams,” she said. “Getting broadcasting policy right includes empowering broadcasters to respond to this widespread consumer need and ensuring broadcasters’ continued ability to serve communities, not just through sports but other programs as well.”
