The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an antitrust investigation into the National Football League to determine whether its media rights deals have created anticompetitive conditions that disadvantage consumers. The probe comes amid increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, and media companies over how NFL games are distributed across television and streaming platforms.

The NFL operates under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which grants the league limited antitrust protection to collectively negotiate television contracts. However, critics argue that the modern media landscape, where games are split across multiple networks and streaming services, has made it more expensive and difficult for fans to watch a full season.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has urged federal regulators to review the league’s exemption, noting that fans may have spent close to $1,000 on cable and streaming subscriptions to access all games in a recent season. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission has also sought public input on how the shift toward subscription-based viewing has affected consumers.

The NFL has defended its approach, stating that the majority of games remain available on local broadcast television and that streaming-exclusive games are still accessible in participating teams’ local markets. League officials declined to comment on the Justice Department’s investigation.

The review comes as the NFL considers renegotiating its media rights agreements. Current contracts with major broadcasters include opt-out clauses after the 2029–30 season, and recent corporate changes involving CBS parent company Paramount Global have triggered provisions allowing the league to revisit portions of its existing deal.

Separately, the league is facing legal and political pressure over its diversity hiring practices. Florida officials have challenged the NFL’s Rooney Rule, arguing it may violate state civil rights laws by requiring teams to consider race and gender in hiring decisions. Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the policy, saying it aligns with the league’s values and is designed to expand opportunity rather than mandate outcomes.

The combined scrutiny over business practices and internal policies places the NFL under increasing regulatory attention as it navigates evolving media markets and legal challenges.