Senator Lee Calls for Antitrust Review of NFL Streaming Costs

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, has requested a federal investigation into the rising costs of NFL streaming packages. Lee sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission urging a review of the antitrust exemptions currently afforded to the National Football League, particularly as they relate to deals with streaming platforms.

Rising Costs and Consumer Impact

The core of Senator Lee’s concern centers on the financial burden placed on football fans. According to the letter, watching every NFL game during the past season cost fans nearly $1,000 when factoring in the combined expenses of cable and streaming subscriptions. This often necessitates multiple streaming service subscriptions alongside a traditional cable or satellite package, leading to consumer confusion and escalating costs.

The Sports Broadcasting Act and Modern Streaming

Senator Lee’s request hinges on the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. This act granted limited antitrust immunity to professional football teams, allowing them to collectively license game broadcasts to national networks. However, the Senator argues that the current landscape of streaming services differs significantly from the conditions that justified this exemption.

The original intent of the Act, as recognized by courts, was to facilitate “sponsored telecasting” – broadcasts financed through advertising and freely available to the public. Lee contends that placing collectively licensed game packages behind subscription paywalls may no longer align with this original purpose or the consumer-access rationale behind the antitrust exemption.

Call for Review and Potential Revision

In his letter, Senator Lee specifically requested that the DOJ and FTC examine the applicability of the Sports Broadcasting Act to the current media environment. He emphasized the importance of determining whether the statute continues to serve consumers or if revisions are necessary to reflect modern market conditions. The Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights has offered its expertise to the agencies during this evaluation.

Further Investigation

The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have not yet publicly responded to Senator Lee’s request for a probe, as of March 3, 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Senator Mike Lee is urging a federal antitrust review of the NFL’s streaming deals.
• The concern is the high cost for fans to access all NFL games, potentially reaching $1,000 annually.
• The review will focus on whether the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 still applies in the age of streaming.
• The Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights is offering its support to the DOJ and FTC.