The NFL is defending its expanded lineup of games on streaming platforms amid criticism from President Donald Trump and scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department, and league officials say it has no intention of pulling back. While discussing this week’s schedule release with reporters, NFL executive vice president of media distribution Hans Schroeder on Friday said, “We love our model. We think we have the most fan-friendly model there is of any sport or entertainment as far as distribution.”
The league noted that it still airs 87% of its games on free broadcast networks CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC, according to league officials. Schroeder argued the move to add games on platforms such as Netflix reflects changing consumer habits, saying, “We think broadcast [networks] have been an incredible home,” and that “fans are increasingly spending their time on other platforms as well.”
President Trump criticized the NFL’s expansion to streaming earlier this week, telling the news program “Full Measure” that “you’ve got people that love football. They’re great people. They don’t make enough money to go and pay this. It’s tough.” When asked whether the government would intervene, Trump said, “I don’t know, but I don’t like it.”
The Justice Department reportedly has begun reviewing the NFL’s broadcast distribution decisions for potential anticompetitive tactics related to the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. The report notes the SBA grants the NFL limited antitrust protections and allows the league to negotiate TV rights packages. As the league diversifies platforms — including games this season on Netflix and Amazon Prime — subscribing to additional services is increasing the cost of watching NFL games.
The NFL has also faced criticism from the National Association of Broadcasters, which urged the Justice Department to examine the league’s broadcast deals, and Rupert Murdoch has raised the issue with the president, according to the Wall Street Journal. NFL executive vice president of communications and public affairs and policy Jeff Miller said the league remains “committed to being on broadcast television” and will “continue to do what’s best for our fans.”
