DOJ investigates NFL streaming deals as antitrust exemption draws scrutiny
The Justice Department is investigating the NFL’s exclusive streaming deals amid fan frustration over fragmented, paid access. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questions whether the league should retain its special antitrust exemption, originally established by the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. PK Press Club contributor Jonathan Turley suggests Congress examine the NFL’s monopolistic structure, pointing to its $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 games.
Hanson, 54, said he is among those who buy all the services to watch prime-time games.
“There’s no shortage of conversations about this topic out 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 every standalone national game. So I’m one of those people who gets that subscription, that subscription, that ability to watch every game. I can understand the frustration,” Hanson told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks with NFL Network’s Scott Hanson ahead of Super Bowl LVI between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on February 13, 2022. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NFL fans who want access to every game must purchase YouTube TV for “NFL Sunday Ticket,” in addition to 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 adds up to over $1,500 per year, and that doesn’t include fees associated with basic cable packages or high-speed Wi-Fi needed to accommodate the platforms.
Hanson said the NFL wants to be careful about how it distributes its products.
“The NFL, however, made a statement saying that they had more games on free television, you know, on traditional television, on the major traditional broadcast networks, than in any other major sports league in North America, at least, which is true,” Hanson said.
FCC COMMISSIONER SUPPORTS FRUSTRATED US SPORTS FANS AS LEAGUES PIVOT TO STREAMING SERVICES
NFL Network’s Scott Hanson speaks on stage during day three of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 26, 2025. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“Yet the NFL wants to be conscious of how we serve fans and how the product is distributed. They recognize that, yeah, okay, now you need that subscription, that subscription, that platform to be able to watch the games. It’s a balancing act.”
Hanson said the NFL needs to find a balance between making money and not excluding fans.
“The NFL is a for-profit business, right? That’s true. They make a lot of money. They also have an impact on American society. So, maximizing the business while keeping your fans as engaged and passionate as the amazing fans of the NFL are, is a balancing act that they will try to find a good balance,” Hanson said.
The Department of Justice has reportedly opened an investigation into the NFL regarding its use of streaming services.
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NFL Network host Scott Hanson presents on stage during day three of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri on April 29, 2023. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
A March PK Press Club poll indicated that 72% of sports fans believe major sporting events should remain free on television, as the NFL considers allowing teams to sell rights to preseason games to streaming services.
FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty credited FCC Chairman Brendan Carr with stating that “the public interest is no longer being served and the need for government immunity is less clear” during a recent press conference.
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“Indeed, more than 8,000 people submitted comments to the FCC – 98% of those comments expressing their frustration with the streaming migration trend and their hope that broadcasting remains the predominant platform for watching their favorite team,” she said. “Good broadcasting policy involves empowering broadcasters to meet this widely felt consumer need and ensuring their continued ability to serve local communities not only through sport, but other programming as well.”
