NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly plans to skip a congressional hearing next week. According to Puck Media’s John Ourand, Goodell will “politely decline” the invitation.
What We Know: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Representative Jim Jordan invited Goodell to testify next week. The hearing centers on whether NFL broadcast contracts are harming American consumers. Congress is also examining the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which granted pro sports leagues a limited antitrust exemption to negotiate TV deals collectively. Lawmakers are questioning whether that exemption still applies in today’s streaming-heavy media landscape. The NFL currently has television contracts with ESPN/ABC, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Prime Video and Netflix to air its games.
What They Said: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Representative Jim Jordan (via ESPN): “Back when the Sports Broadcast Act was passed, the promise was you’ll get to watch every one of your team’s games for free. Things have changed dramatically since 1961.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown whether the NFL will send a representative in Goodell’s place. Additionally, the DOJ launched its own investigation into the NFL’s antitrust exemption in April. Whether that probe influences congressional momentum remains to be seen.
What It Means: Goodell’s decision signals the NFL isn’t eager to engage Congress on this topic publicly. This spring, the league has stood on its messaging that games air free on the local stations in the broadcast markets of the teams playing. However, pressure is clearly building from multiple directions. The league faces scrutiny from both lawmakers and federal investigators simultaneously. This is all happening as the league is discussing with networks increases in rights fees ahead of the NFL season.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
