Justice Department investigating NFL over subscription fee concerns, sources say

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the NFL is forcing football fans to pay too much in subscription fees, according to two people familiar with the investigation.

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the NFL is forcing football fans to pay too much in subscription fees, according to two sources familiar with the investigation.

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In years past, football fans watched NFL games over broadcast TV, delivered free into their homes. The 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act allowed for sports leagues to get around some antitrust concerns and negotiate media rights.

But now, games are spread across many different platforms and channels. Some require paid subscriptions, as traditional TV and cable providers contend with cord-cutting and tougher competition from deep-pocketed tech companies and streamers.