NFL DOJ investigation, explained: What to know about probe into alleged anticompetitive tactics with media deals

NFL DOJ investigation, explained: What to know about probe into alleged anticompetitive tactics with media deals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL might see most publicity as good publicity, but the league was hit with a headline Thursday that it is pushing back on.

The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly investigating the NFL over its media deals, focusing particularly on the subscription fees fans must pay to watch games in the streaming era.

The NFL disagrees with the premise of the investigation, though the league is cooperating.

Here's what you need to know about the DOJ's investigation into the NFL's media deals.

NFL DOJ investigation, explained

The U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation to explore whether the NFL engaged in "anticompetitive tactics that harm consumers," the Wall Street Journal reported.

The move comes two months after the FCC launched an investigation into the shift of live sports from TV networks to streaming services, which generally require a paid subscription.

The NFL currently has an $111 billion media rights deal that allows games to be broadcast on CBS NBC, Fox, ESPN/ABC and Amazon Prime Video, though some games have even aired on Peacock (which is owned by NBC) and YouTube in recent years.

The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 allows the NFL to sell its TV rights as a package while largely skirting antitrust laws, which are designed to prevent monopolies and encourage competition, but the DOJ and FCC investigations raise questions about how much longer the NFL will be able to skirt those laws.

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Why is the DOJ investigating the NFL?

The investigation is the result of widespread concerns regarding fans' ability to watch games as TV rights get spread out across an array of different streaming services.

"Media companies, regulators and members of Congress have raised concerns in recent months over how difficult it is for consumers to be able to watch their favorite sports games as a result of rights deals," the Wall Street Journal reported.

Accelerating those concerns is the NFL's recent decision to renegotiate its broadcast deals. CNBC reported in March that the league is renegotiating its deal with Paramount and CBS earlier than expected, and new negotiations with Fox are reportedly planned if and when a new deal with CBS is hammered out.

Fox, however, recently raised concerns to the FCC about exclusive streaming deals that put NFL games behind a paywall. Because Fox and CBS broadcast the majority of NFL games, they could see streaming services as a serious threat to their status in the years ahead.

What are anticompetitive tactics?

Anticompetitive tactics are business strategies that limit competition and create monopolies. When there is less competition for a product or service, prices for consumers are typically higher because they have nearly nowhere else to turn.

The DOJ is evaluating whether the NFL engaged in anticompetitive tactics with its media deals. Antitrust laws prohibit such behavior, but under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, the NFL and other major American sports leagues are largely exempt. Recent actions by the FCC and DOJ indicate the NFL’s exemption could be at risk, which would prevent the league from selling its broadcasting rights as a package

What is the Sports Broadcasting Act?

The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 is best known as the bill that prevents the NFL from playing games on Friday or Saturday before the end of high school and college football seasons, but it also contains language that exempts major sports leagues from antitrust laws. That means leagues have the ability to sell TV rights as a package and don't have to worry about creating as much competition as possible.

After FCC commissioner Brendan Carr implied the NFL's antitrust exemptions are at risk, the DOJ investigation is unwelcomed news. It could be the result of the league's attempt to renegotiate its current broadcasting deal.

"The antitrust question seems to be fueled in part by the NFL's current effort to get the networks to pay much more for the remaining four years of their current deals," Pro Football Talk reported.

NFL media deals

The NFL is operating under an 11-year, $111 billion broadcast deal that runs through the 2033 season.

Under the current deal, CBS and Fox hold exclusive broadcast rights to Sunday afternoon games, while ESPN and ABC hold the rights to "Monday Night Football." Amazon Prime Video holds the rights to "Thursday Night Football," and NBC holds the rights to "Sunday Night Football." NFL Network also broadcasts some international and late-season Saturday games, but the network is now partnered with ESPN.

The NFL recently entered into early renegotiations of its deal with CBS and could soon do the same with Fox, according to CNBC.

NFL statement on DOJ investigation

In a statement addressing the investigation, the NFL said its viewership numbers speak for themselves.

"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," the league sad. "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."