NFL attempts to ease government scrutiny with Fox triple-header

The NFL has faced heat from the U.S. government recently over its gradual shift to streaming services in recent years, but an announcement Monday may offer a course correction.

Per multiple reports, Fox was awarded a Week 10 international game that was previously part of ESPN's inventory after acquiring NFL Network, setting the longtime NFL partner for a rare triple-header with games in the morning, early afternoon and late afternoon windows.

The announcement comes days after Fox owner Rupert Murdoch's The Wall Street Journal published an article raising the alarm on the NFL's media future, arguing that the proliferation of streaming deals negatively impacts fans and traditional media partners.

Per the WSJ, Murdoch even held a recent meeting with President Trump, warning him "that if streamers gained rights to more games, it would kill broadcast networks.

"It was a bold play," the WSJ continued, "where Murdoch was seeking to stir up trouble for a partner it pays billions, fraying a relationship that has lasted for decades."

NFL moves games to broadcast television following DOJ inquiry

Monday's announcement could go a long way toward easing tensions. Deadline reported that Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch's son, downplayed the brewing conflict during a Monday earnings call, saying, "I think the important note to take here is that there is no tension, really, with the NFL. We have been partners for 30 years. We're looking forward to being partners for the next 30 years."

In addition to giving Fox an additional game, the NFL also gave its broadcast television partner, NBC, one of ESPN's former games, another win for fans. But the move is hardly altruistic after the Department of Justice opened an investigation earlier this year over the NFL's antitrust exemption under the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act, with government officials questioning whether the league is in violation by partnering with streaming services.

By throwing Fox and NBC a bone, the NFL might be able to dodge further scrutiny, both from Murdoch's media empire and the U.S. government. That's a trade-off the league should happily accept.