The U.S. Justice Department has opened an investigation into the National Football League regarding potential anticompetitive tactics. The inquiry centers on concerns that practices employed by the league may harm consumers and drive up costs.
The investigation follows increasing fan frustration with the growing trend of NFL games being exclusively aired on subscription television services. This shift requires consumers to pay additional fees to watch games.
A Republican senator previously requested that both the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department review antitrust exemptions related to the NFL’s agreements with streaming platforms, prompting further scrutiny.
Government officials are questioning whether the league’s actions are limiting consumer access and potentially violating antitrust laws.