Key Takeaways:
- FCC launches inquiry into changing sports broadcasting landscape
- In 2025, NFL games aired on 10 different services, costing consumers over $1,500
- Comments open until March 27, 2026
- Local broadcasters concerned about ability to compete
WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission’s Media Bureau has announced a public inquiry into how the changing sports broadcasting landscape is impacting consumers, seeking answers as more games shift from broadcast TV to streaming services.
The Issue:
For decades, Americans could watch sports for free on over-the-air broadcast television. Today, that has changed dramatically. The FCC notes that while streaming has helped expand access to sports, it has also created a fragmented marketplace where fans must subscribe to multiple services to watch their favorite teams.
In 2025 alone, NFL games aired on 10 different streaming services. According to some estimates, it could cost a consumer over $1,500 to watch all NFL games – up from a fraction of that just a few years ago.
The Numbers:
The NFL currently has media rights agreements with Disney (ESPN/ABC), Paramount (CBS/Paramount+), Fox Corporation (Fox/Fox One), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock), NFL Network, Amazon (Prime Video), Google (YouTube), and Netflix. Over the life of these agreements, the NFL stands to bring in over $100 billion in sports rights fees.
The NBA’s current deal is valued at $77 billion. MLB has deals worth $1.6 billion annually. The NHL’s deal is worth nearly $4.5 billion.
What the FCC Wants to Know:
The FCC is seeking comments on how the fragmentation affects consumers, local broadcasters’ ability to meet public interest obligations, and what role the FCC should play moving forward.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has already responded, thanking FCC Chair Brendan Carr for examining the issue.
Comments are due March 27, 2026, with reply comments due April 13, 2026 in MB Docket No. 26-45.
Off the Record: This is long overdue. The average fan should not have to take out a second mortgage to watch their favorite team. Whether you love or hate the Chiefs, you should be able to watch them without subscribing to six different streaming services. The NFL is making $100 billion off these deals, but fans are the ones paying the price. The FCC stepping in is a step in the right direction, but do not hold your breath waiting for meaningful change. These media companies have too much money invested to go back to the old way. The question is whether the FCC can actually do anything meaningful, or if this is just political theater.