Support for Israel once united Congress, but now bipartisan focus shifts to consumer costs of NFL game access. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Congressman Jamie Raskin criticize NFL broadcasting costs. They believe television football has become pricier due to streaming services. The Judiciary Committee’s report, titled The Sports Broadcasting Act: A Special-Interest Antitrust Exemption Gone Awry,
explores alleged antitrust violations by the NFL. Federal communications bodies also examine this issue.
Surprisingly, NFL games are more accessible and affordable compared to other sports leagues. All NFL team games are available on free broadcast TV in team markets. Current deals with ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC secure this setup through 2033. Previously, viewers received these through cable or satellite. Streaming via ESPN Unlimited, Paramount+, Fox One, or Peacock lowers costs compared to traditional cable subscriptions. Games broadcast on TV are also available on streaming simultaneously, offering cheaper access.
Streaming-exclusive games air on TV in team markets. Even a Christmas Day doubleheader planned for Netflix will be accessible via local broadcasts. Analyst Rich Greenfield from Lightshed Partners notes congressional critics’ $1,000 cost claim is misleading. Accessing all games previously available on cable now costs $218. This involves an antenna and subscriptions to Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock, and ESPN Unlimited. Assumptions include having Amazon Prime or Twitch.
Alternatively, subscribing to all required services including Fox One costs $387 for six months. Cheaper packages via YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream, plus Netflix and Peacock, total $428. This beats previous cable costs over $600. Spectrum cable bundles many streaming services, offering additional value.
Congressional concern over NFL Sunday Ticket package is misplaced. Originally only via DirecTV, it’s now on YouTube without a satellite dish. At $378, few households subscribed. Most had adequate access through televised games. Other sports leagues incur higher costs combining cable and regional sports channels.
Consumer confusion stems from multiple viewing services, not increased costs. Interfaces now help by scheduling games by favorite teams. Proposed legislation aims to address streaming migration. A potential compromise involves flexible pricing for the Sunday Ticket package, similar to YouTubeTV’s skinny bundles.
Ultimately, streaming lowers NFL game costs compared to cable. Achieving bipartisan consensus could drive meaningful reforms affecting wider issues. Tom Rogers, the author, is executive chairman of Fountain 0, Claigrid, Inc., and a consultant for CNBC and MSNOW. These views are his own.
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