Lawmakers Question Rising Costs for NFL Streaming
Rep. Jim Jordan from Ohio raised concerns at a congressional hearing regarding the increasing costs fans face to stream NFL games. During the discussion, he referenced the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 and delved into antitrust issues that arise as viewers are hit with high fees to access games across different platforms. Jordan highlighted that NFL content should be within reach for all fans, not just for those who can spend a lot on packages.
As everyone knows, finding prime-time NFL games has become increasingly challenging with the rise of streaming services. Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Netflix each have rights to certain games, but this might just be the beginning of a new trend. Recently, the costs associated with watching sports through these services have come under scrutiny during hearings focusing on the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act.
Andrew Whitworth, a prominent figure in Amazon Prime Video’s NFL coverage, expressed his understanding of fans’ frustrations regarding this situation. He mentioned, “I get it. I get that we’re trying to figure out how the fans want to watch this and that and other things.” It’s like trying to find your favorite show on different platforms; it can get quite complicated. You hear about a new series and then spend time just figuring out where to find it, and that experience seems relatable in today’s sports streaming landscape.
Whitworth elaborated on this analogy, saying, “I think sports has become increasingly like entertainment where you have to go to specific places to access what you want. The world is evolving, and perhaps the process will get simpler in time, but it seems like everyone is carving out their niche right now.”
If a fan were to stream every NFL game in the 2025 season using services like Sunday Ticket, Netflix, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN Unlimited, and NFL+, they would be looking at a cost of at least $575. For those who previously relied on Sunday Ticket, the total could soar to around $800.
Sports leagues are seeing financial benefits from this shift to streaming, with the NFL investing $1 billion annually to broadcast “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon. It’s worth noting that the exemption of the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act applies only to traditional television, not to newer streaming formats. Courts have determined that this act doesn’t cover other forms of media, including cable, satellite, and streaming services. Local game blackouts and out-of-market packages sold by leagues still fall under its regulations.
