The NFL released its 2026 schedule on Thursday, and with that, the league’s current broadcast deals came to light. While most of the games can be watched on broadcast television, some will be streamed on Netflix, Prime Video, Peacock, ESPN, and other streaming services.

The league has been on the receiving end of criticism from fans and even the President for the rising costs just to watch games. However, the NFL didn't see an issue calling their current streaming model “fan-friendly”.

“We love our model,” said Hans Schroeder, the Executive VP of Media Distribution for the NFL. “We think we have the most fan-friendly model there is of any sport or entertainment as far as distribution,” he told ESPN.

Per NFL writer Stephen Holder at ESPN, the NFL airs 87% of its games on free broadcasting channels like CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox.

But, along with the free broadcasts, the league is also exploring options to cater to the changing viewer habits. They are adapting to platforms like Netflix or Prime Video, which already have enough viewership.

Jeff Miller, the executive VP of Communications and Public Affairs, concluded by saying that the NFL will continue to do what’s best for its fans and stay on broadcast television.

The league will also continue to air games on various platforms, especially Netflix and Prime Video, for the upcoming season. Fans took to social media to voice their frustration over the rising cost of watching NFL games. 

Fans Express Disappointment and Anger Against the NFL’s Streaming Model

With subscription costs soaring on streaming services, NFL fans took to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport’s post on X to express their frustration. 

“The NFL calling its streaming setup the most fan-friendly model in sports is a wild statement when fans need Prime, Peacock, Netflix and a cable subscription just to watch their team. Splitting games across that many platforms is a revenue play and everyone knows it. The product is great. The distribution is a mess,” commented a straightforward fan. 

One X user did the math for the cost and voiced their anger, “I am so tired of the NFL gaslighting its fans. They believe they have the most fan-friendly model of media distribution in sports. They believe paying $700-$1600 a year is what is best for the fans.”

“NFL calling itself fan friendly while you need 5 apps, 2 subscriptions and emotional support to watch a game is crazy,” posted a disappointed fan. 

Yet another user called out the NFL for ruining the viewing experience. “Calling it the most fan-friendly model ignores how fragmented streaming access actually feels for many viewers,” said the fan. 

Others had a more emotional reaction to the claim and lashed out in frustration. Others pointed out that the "fan-friendly" comment was tone deaf. It also revealed how oblivious the league was to its fans’ pain points.

“Fan friendly lol. **** off. I need like 9 streaming services to watch my team. Even pretending that anything associated with the NFL is 'fan-friendly' is laughable,” commented an angry fan. 

Some felt that the streaming platform partnerships would discourage viewership. They felt it was just one step away from investing in paid bot viewers flooding the platforms.

“Well, this shows how out of touch they are with a large part of their fan base. Wonder if these streaming platforms will be looking into bot viewership now that they paid all this money and people can’t afford to watch? Feels like the NFL is the 2005 housing market,” wrote another fan, criticizing the NFL. 

Ernesto Cova of Yardbarker reported that the NFL will continue to push for more expansion, more games and more streaming partnerships. 

Unfortunately, right now, NFL fans are left with no option but to keep paying and tune in to watch their favorite team play.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit