FCC Examines Shift of Live Sports to Pay TV and Streaming

Agency seeks public input on ensuring continued access to live sports on free broadcast TV

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced it is reviewing the growing trend of live sports moving from free broadcast television to pay TV channels and subscription streaming services. The FCC is seeking public comments on what actions it could take to ensure viewers maintain access to live sports through free over-the-air broadcast TV, and whether current sports media rights contracts conflict with broadcasters' public interest obligations.

Why it matters

The shift of live sports to pay TV and streaming services has raised concerns about accessibility and affordability for many sports fans. Broadcast television has historically relied on the popularity and advertising revenue of live sports to support local news and other programming, so the FCC is examining the potential impact on the broader media landscape.

The details

The FCC noted that in 1961, the NFL's rights deal with CBS was $9.8 million, while recent NFL media rights deals exceed $10 billion per year. The agency said many sporting events previously available through free broadcast or cable TV are now only accessible through standalone subscription streaming, which could cost consumers over $1,500 to watch all games. The FCC is seeking public input on potential actions it could take to ensure continued access to live sports on free over-the-air TV.

  • The FCC announced its review on February 25, 2026.
  • In 1961, the NFL entered a two-year rights agreement with CBS for $9.8 million.

The players

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

National Football League (NFL)

The major professional American football league, which has media rights agreements with several major broadcast and streaming platforms.

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What’s next

The FCC is accepting public comments on the issue and will use the feedback to determine what, if any, actions it could take to ensure continued access to live sports on free broadcast TV.

The takeaway

The FCC's review highlights the tension between the increasing value of live sports media rights and the goal of maintaining accessibility and affordability for sports fans. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of sports broadcasting and the broader media landscape.