Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

U.S. Department of Justice opens investigation into NFL

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 2:50 PM ET

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the United States Department of Justice has opened an investigation into whether or not the NFL has “engaged in anticompetitive tactics that harm consumers.”

The Justice Department declined to comment on the investigation, but a reliable source told the WSJ that it revolves around the NFL potentially forcing fans to pay too much for streaming subscriptions to watch live games.

The issue of fan access has been brought up by Congress members in recent months. Republican senator Mike Lee wrote a letter in February requesting a review into the NFL’s streaming deals, looking to determine if they violate the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act.

That act gave NFL teams the ability to negotiate their own media deals.

“To watch every NFL game during the past season, football fans spent almost $1,000 on cable and streaming subscriptions,” Lee wrote.

The NFL released a statement in response to the investigation on Thursday, doubling down on the current media distribution system.

NFL statement on WSJ report that DOJ is investigating antitrust:

“The NFL’s media distribution model is the most fan and broadcaster-friendly in the entire sports and entertainment industry. With over 87% of our games on free, broadcast television, including 100% of games in the…

— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) April 9, 2026

“The NFL’s media distribution model is the most fan and broadcaster-friendly in the entire sports and entertainment industry. With over 87% of our games on free, broadcast television, including 100% of games in the markets of the competing teams, the NFL has for decades put our fans front and center in how we distribute our content. The 2025 season was our most viewed since 1989 and reflects the strength of the NFL distribution model and its wide availability to all fans.”

No additional details of the investigation have been released, but the Justice Department appears keen on solving the issue before the league can renegotiate a new media rights deal in 2030.

James Parker contributed to this story.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: