The NFL is now pushing back on recent criticisms from President Donald Trump and the United States Department of Justice regarding the league’s partnerships with various streaming platforms.
This season, NFL games can be found on a number of platforms, including Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock and others.
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NFL executive vice president of media distribution Hans Schroeder spoke to reporters on Friday after the season schedule release, indicating that the league is satisfied with this distribution system.
“We love our model,” he said. “We think we have the most fan-friendly model there is of any sport or entertainment as far as distribution.”
The Justice Department recently opened an investigation into the NFL’s distribution practices, particularly in regards to the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. When this went into effect, it allowed the league to negotiate TV deals while giving it limited antitrust protections.
Trump doubled down on his criticism during a recent appearance on the news show Full Measure.
“You’ve got people that love football. They’re great people. They don’t make enough money to go and pay this. It’s tough.”
It’s currently unclear what kind of government intervention will happen, if any at all. NFL executive vice president of communications and public affairs and policy Jeff Miller spoke to the media on Friday, echoing Schroeder’s point.
“We’re committed to being on broadcast television in ways that other content is not and continue to be in the hopes of reaching our fans,” he said. “… So, if the NAB or FOX or others are questioning the merits of that, I’m not sure I really understand where that comes from. But we’ll continue to do what’s best for our fans and that means continue to stay on broadcast television.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
