Overview
- Trump said in a TV interview that rising prices to watch NFL games could hurt working fans and added that he does not like the current setup.
- National reporter Andrew Marchand countered the $1,000-per-game line and noted most games air on free broadcast TV, with recent reporting putting a full season near $600.
- The Justice Department has opened an investigation into the NFL’s media arrangements, focusing on whether the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 shields anti-competitive behavior.
- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended the model and said about 87% of games are on free, over-the-air channels, with home markets guaranteed access to their teams’ games.
- Political and regulatory pressure has grown, with Sen. Mike Lee urging a review of the league’s antitrust carve-outs, Sen. Tammy Baldwin planning legislation on costs and blackouts, and FCC chair Brendan Carr saying too many games sit behind paid services.