NAB commissioner backs frustrated American sports fans as leagues pivot to streaming services

The Justice Department is probing the NFL's exclusive streaming deals amidst fan frustration over fragmented and paid access. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questions if the league should retain its special antitrust exemption, initially established by the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley suggests Congress examine the NFL's monopoly structure, highlighting their $25 billion annual revenue and rising fan costs.

National Association of Broadcasters Commissioner Olivia Trusty addressed the issue of sports leagues broadcasting behind a paywall as Americans’ frustrations build with the number of services needed to simply watch a game.

Trusty addressed the issue during a conference in Las Vegas on Monday. She credited FCC Chairman Brendan Carr with identifying that "public interest is no longer being served, and the need for government immunity is less clear" as leagues migrate behind a paywall.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford points during the Bears game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Jan. 18, 2026. (Matt Marton/Imagn Images)

"Indeed, more than 8,000 people have submitted comments at the FCC — with 98% of those comments expressing frustration with the streaming migration trend and their hope that broadcast will remain the pre-eminent platform for watching their favorite team," she said. "Getting broadcast policy right includes empowering broadcasters to respond to this widely felt consumer need and ensure broadcasters’ continued ability to serve local communities not only through sports but other programming, as well."

A Fox News poll in March indicated that 72% of sports fans think major sporting events should stay free on