Representative Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, addressed Congress in a hearing focused on the NFL’s streaming costs and accessibility issues for fans. Jordan cited the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act and raised antitrust concerns, highlighting the financial strain on fans needing access to multiple platforms to watch all games. He underscored the necessity for affordable NFL content for all fans, not only those able to pay for costly packages.

Recent emails concerning NFL Sunday Ticket renewals on YouTube underscore the financial challenges. The pricing remains a concern. Each year, the NFL increases the package cost while national windows reduce its value.

Sunday Ticket does not cover nationally televised games or local market games. Subscribers miss out on Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football, as well as locally aired games on Fox and CBS. For instance, fans in Michigan cannot use Sunday Ticket to watch Lions games as they air locally.

The NFL’s broadcasting schedule is intricate and often bewildering. This complexity is set to worsen. From 2026, EverPass Media will exclusively provide NFL Sunday Ticket commercially.

Concern is growing among restaurant associations, who have urged Congress to address the potential impact of these streaming changes on bar revenues. This season, Netflix will air select games, including a 49ers-Rams game from Australia on Thursday, various Thanksgiving and Christmas games, and others.

Alterations to the schedule add new games on traditionally avoided days such as Wednesdays and Fridays. Additionally, nine out of 18 weeks will feature international games primarily on the NFL Network at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Every time a new national broadcasting window opens, fewer games are available through Sunday Ticket, incurring a higher subscription cost.

For the 2026-27 season, YouTube lists Sunday Ticket at $480, payable in eight $60 monthly installments. The cost obligates users to pay in full, as monthly subscription changes are not allowed.

Discounts are available, misleadingly inflating the initial price. New subscribers can register for $240 annually, while previous subscribers might renew for $336. YouTube TV subscribers can obtain it for $234 if they maintain their subscription throughout the NFL season. Select groups such as teachers, military members, and students receive significant discounts.

Sunday Ticket subscription prices fluctuate, yet remain among the priciest for a four-month duration. Due to schedule changes, fewer games match its cost. Premier matchups often air on other platforms.

To watch every game, fans require subscriptions to Amazon Prime, Peacock, Netflix, and YouTube TV’s Sunday Ticket. The package’s appeal primarily benefits fans whose favorite team’s market is not local.

Some teams have minimal or no primetime games scheduled, forcing out-of-state fans to rely on Sunday Ticket. Conversely, teams like the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs appear frequently in primetime and national broadcasts, reducing the necessity of Sunday Ticket for their fans.

The NFL’s approach has caused Sunday Ticket’s value to dip, discouraging demand. A price reduction remains the potential remedy.

Reporter Bobby Burack contributes to OutKick.