Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed concerns regarding the affordability of watching NFL games as the league increasingly partners with various streaming services. This issue has garnered attention from Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
O'Connell stated, "I think it's important that we continue to make it something that, you know, all fans can have a pathway to watching our games," during a news conference at the American Century Championship golf tournament. He emphasized the importance of making NFL games accessible to as many fans as possible.
He defended the league's media rights contracts, suggesting that different streaming services could help expand the fan base. "I think it's an alignment with where a lot of... media in general has kind of gone, where the consumer is choosing different ways to find their entertainment," he said.
The NFL's 2026 schedule will include games on traditional broadcast networks, cable, and multiple streaming platforms. Prime Video will stream "Thursday Night Football," Netflix will stream games in Week 1, on Thanksgiving Eve, and on Christmas Day, while Peacock will exclusively stream a regular-season game in January.
The NFL has noted that its games remain available free over the air in local markets. However, the broader access issue has drawn scrutiny in Washington. The House Judiciary Committee released an interim staff report stating that fans increasingly need a combination of over-the-air, cable, and streaming services to watch their favorite teams, with some fans reportedly spending over $600 per season to watch all of one team's games.
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has requested that the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission examine whether the NFL’s distribution practices align with the Sports Broadcasting Act’s limited antitrust protection, citing that fans spent nearly $1,000 last season when combining cable, streaming, and internet costs.
O'Connell made these comments while preparing to compete in the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, which features a lineup of notable competitors, including Davante Adams and Baker Mayfield.