The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the NFL over potential anticompetitive tactics, a government official told CNBC. The investigation stems from questions about “affordability for consumers and creating an even playing field for providers,” the official said.
The government’s investigation comes as the NFL is looking to renegotiate media rights deals with its broadcast networks earlier than previously planned, CNBC previously reported. The league is also reportedly considering a bigger package of games with streaming giant Netflix
In a statement to CNBC, the league called its media distribution model “the most fan and broadcaster-friendly in the entire sports and entertainment industry,” and said that more than 87% of NFL games are on free, broadcast TV.
Teams are always shown on broadcast networks in their local markets, regardless of whether games are airing on cable TV or streaming-only.
“The NFL has for decades put our fans front and center in how we distribute our content. 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,” the league said.
