Streaming and Consumer Protection

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the NFL has used anticompetitive tactics against fans as it shifts more games to streaming platforms, according to a report first published by The Wall Street Journal and summarized by Fox News. The probe comes as Trump‑era officials and lawmakers question whether the league is still complying with conditions of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which grants the NFL limited antitrust exemptions in exchange for protecting public access to games. Sen. Mike Lee, R‑Utah, who chairs the Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee, has sent a letter to the DOJ and Federal Trade Commission formally requesting a review of the league’s exemption status. At the same time, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr says his agency is reviewing thousands of public comments on whether a “significant portion” of major sports should remain free over broadcast TV, warning that the current maze of paid streaming services may mean leagues are “stretching their special legal treatment” beyond what Congress intended. A March Fox News poll cited in the article found 72% of sports fans believe major sporting events should stay free on broadcast television, underscoring growing public anger online over escalating subscription costs and the fragmentation of NFL viewing rights.