The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an antitrust investigation into the NFL regarding its television and media rights agreements.
The probe focuses on whether the league’s practices have become anticompetitive, potentially limiting consumer access to games and driving up costs amid the growing shift from traditional broadcasting to streaming services.
Concerns have centered on the fragmentation of NFL content across multiple platforms. While the league maintains that the vast majority of its games remain available on free over-the-air television—particularly within each team’s local market—many high-profile matchups now require paid subscriptions. These include Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video, certain holiday games on Netflix, and additional contests streamed exclusively on services such as ESPN+ and Peacock.
“With over 87% of our games on free, broadcast television, including 100% of games in the markets of the competing teams, the NFL has for decades put our fans front and center in how we distribute our content,” a league spokesperson told The Athletic. “The 2025 season was our most-viewed since 1989 and reflects the strength of the NFL distribution model and its wide availability to all fans.”
Industry analysts estimate that accessing every game in a season could require a combination of cable packages and streaming subscriptions costing hundreds or even over a thousand dollars annually.
The investigation comes as lawmakers and regulators question the continued relevance of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. That law provides the NFL with a limited antitrust exemption permitting teams to collectively negotiate and sell broadcast rights.
Originally crafted for an era dominated by major networks, critics argue the exemption may no longer adequately protect viewers in today’s digital media environment.
The NFL has defended its approach, emphasizing strong overall viewership numbers and broad availability of games. The Department of Justice has not released specific details about the scope of its inquiry.
Any potential challenge to the league’s longstanding media practices could significantly influence how professional football content is distributed and consumed in the years ahead.
