Lawmakers Question Rising NFL Streaming Costs for Fans

Rising Costs and Congressional Inquiry

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, recently addressed a congressional hearing to explore the NFL’s streaming practices and the increasing costs for fans. He raised concerns surrounding the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act and potential antitrust issues, noting the burdensome prices fans face to access all games across multiple platforms. Jordan emphasized the importance of ensuring affordable NFL content access for everyone, not only those able to afford costly packages.

Decline in Opening Night Viewership

The opening-night game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks recorded the lowest ratings since 2022, with an average of 25.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock. This represents a 12% drop compared to last season’s Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles opener, which drew 28.3 million viewers on the same network. The figure is notable given recent changes to Nielsen’s measurement system, as well as the multiyear decline and significant yearly decrease in viewership.

Impact of Schedule Changes

“The NFL and NBC may partly attribute the decline to the game airing on a Wednesday for the first time.”

The shift from Thursday to Wednesday, traditionally a stronger night for viewership, likely impacted ratings significantly. However, this scheduling change is a result rather than an excuse.

In Santa Clara, California, during the NFL Super Bowl 60, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, illustrating the league’s expanded schedule.

Schedule Expansion Strategy

The NFL’s decision to open the season on a Wednesday aligns with its broader growth strategy, focusing on streaming and international games. The 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act restricts televised games on most Friday nights during high school and college football seasons. Thus, the Los Angeles Rams-San Francisco 49ers game couldn’t be played in Australia on a Friday as in previous years, leading to the Patriots-Seahawks opener on Wednesday.

This season, the NFL will host another Wednesday game on Netflix the night before Thanksgiving, along with four Friday games—including one on Black Friday and three on Christmas Day—and nine games played internationally.

Impact of Schedule Changes

While the expanded schedule offers more televised football, it risks lowering the game’s quality. Last season revealed how unusual game days, extensive travel, and limited rest compromised play. Teams often appeared disorganized and unprepared.

The addition of new national windows diluted the Sunday games’ significance. It is expected that fewer viewers watched last Wednesday’s opener. Enjoyment was impacted by factors such as widespread fatigue, a minor sense of occasion, and early wake-up calls for work the following days.

Viewer and Fan Sentiment

The ratings decline should not be overstated. The Patriots vs. Seahawks game still averaged over 25 million viewers, surpassing any NBA Finals game in June. Despite this, signs of fan fatigue and frustration continue to emerge.

Further illustrating the point, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell observed President Donald Trump announcing that Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft.

Increasing Expense to Follow NFL Games

The cost to follow the NFL through different networks and streaming services is notably high this season. The league’s appetite for expansion faces more resistance than anticipated.

OutKick, a sports news platform, criticized the strategy of raising prices for a perceived inferior product. Recent viewership trends suggest the league’s expectations may be overly optimistic.