FCC Says NFL Could Lose Antitrust Protections for Shifting Games to Streaming

Discussion in 'National Football League' started by jetophile, Mar 29, 2026 at 7:28 PM.

  1. jetophile

    jetophile Bruce Coslet's Daughter

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    https://nypost.com/2026/03/27/busin...-protections-for-shifting-games-to-streaming/

    FCC Chair Brendan Carr told The Post Friday that the NFL could lose its antitrust exemptions if it sticks too many live games behind paywalls, as the agency clamps down on pro leagues’ deals with streaming services.

    Leagues are currently protected from antitrust action under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which has allowed individual teams’ TV rights to be pooled into massive packages – but as Carr noted, this exemption applies to “the sponsored telecasting” of games.

    “There’s a live question at this point about whether putting games on Netflix or YouTube TV or other entities like that … is that a sponsored telecast or is that something else?” Carr told The Post in an interview Friday.


    https://frontofficesports.com/nfl-faces-antitrust-threat-from-fcc-chair-over-streaming-push/

    PHOENIX — Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr could become an obstacle in the NFL’s pursuit of elevated rights fees, as he is now threatening the league’s antitrust exemption.

    In a series of media and conference appearances in recent days, the close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump said the NFL’s increasing broadcast fragmentation is testing the commission’s patience, and that intervention could be forthcoming.


    Goodell: “We select our partners in part for that reason. Economics are obviously part of that, the value that’s created. But at the end of the day, we want partners who are going to broaden our audience.”

    What kind of double speak is that? He wasn't even good at it. Is he somehow trying NOT to say that its ONLY about the money?!
     
  2. abyzmul

    abyzmul R.J. MacReady, 21018 Funniest Member Award Winner

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    It's just a shakedown. Hey NFL we see all that money you're making. Give us our cut.
     
    stinkyB and nycarl like this.
  3. BrowningNagle

    BrowningNagle 1992 Rookie of the Year

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    Yeah I mean the NFL isn't the only league doing this so it does feel like they are being targeted here.
     
  4. jetophile

    jetophile Bruce Coslet's Daughter

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    People are going to go back to cable pretty soon, ha. It's really becoming egregious. I personally don't have any skin in the game whatsoever anymore because I sail the high seas full tilt now.
     

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