Kevin O'Connell Backs Wider NFL Access as Congress Probes $600-Plus Streaming Costs
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 2
Kevin O'Connell Backs Wider NFL Access as Congress Probes $600-Plus Streaming Costs
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 2
Summary
Kevin O'Connell said the NFL must keep a path open for all fans to watch games, even as the league spreads its 2026 schedule across broadcast TV, cable and multiple streaming services.
The Vikings coach also defended the media-rights strategy, saying fans increasingly choose different platforms and that broader distribution can help the NFL reach new U.S. and global audiences.
Prime Video will carry Thursday Night Football, Netflix will stream Week 1, Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Day games, and Peacock will exclusively stream a January regular-season game; the NFL says local markets still get games free over the air.
Congressional scrutiny has intensified: a House Judiciary Committee report said some fans may pay more than $600 a season to watch one team's games, while Sen. Mike Lee put the combined cable, streaming and internet cost near $1,000 last season.