Story perspectives

Trump attacks NFL $1,000 streaming fee, calls kickoff rule stupid

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said he dislikes the NFL’s paid-streaming shift and warned the $1,000-per-season fee would be unaffordable.
Trump called the league’s kickoff rule “stupid” and “phony,” saying it does not improve safety.
The NFL is defending its antitrust exemption from the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act while the FCC and DOJ investigate streaming deals.
Critics note the 1961 act only covers over-the-air TV, leaving costly streaming outside its scope.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said he dislikes the NFL’s paid-streaming shift and warned the $1,000-per-season fee would be unaffordable.
Trump called the league’s kickoff rule “stupid” and “phony,” saying it does not improve safety.
The NFL is defending its antitrust exemption from the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act while the FCC and DOJ investigate streaming deals.
Critics note the 1961 act only covers over-the-air TV, leaving costly streaming outside its scope.