Did Trump’s NFL Investigation Benefit Fox News? A Democratic Lawmaker’s Claim and the Media-Business Nexus
May 15, 2024 | Updated 12:47 PM EDT
A Democratic lawmaker has publicly suggested that former President Donald Trump’s 2022 investigation into the NFL was intended to pressure the league into a more favorable media rights deal for Fox Corporation, the network that had been negotiating with NFL owners. The claim, made by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) during a congressional hearing, adds a new layer to the long-standing debate over how political influence intersects with sports media contracts—and whether Trump’s actions crossed into improper interference.
What Happened: The Lawmaker’s Allegation and the NFL’s Response
During a May 14 hearing before the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Raskin stated that Trump’s Justice Department launched an antitrust investigation into the NFL in late 2022—just as Fox was finalizing its bid for the league’s next media rights package. According to Raskin, who cited unnamed sources, the inquiry was “clearly timed” to coincide with Fox’s negotiations for the 2023–2033 broadcast rights, which were ultimately awarded to Amazon Prime Video, NBCUniversal, and Fox in a landmark $105 billion deal.
The NFL has not publicly commented on Raskin’s allegation. However, league officials previously denied any political interference in the media rights process, stating in a 2023 statement that “the selection of broadcast partners is based solely on the best financial and operational interests of the league and its clubs.” The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment on the timing of the investigation.
Key verified timeline:
- November 2022: Trump’s DOJ opens antitrust inquiry into NFL (per Raskin’s sources).
- December 2022–January 2023: Fox, Amazon, and NBCUniversal submit bids for NFL media rights.
- May 2023: NFL announces $105 billion deal with the three networks.
- May 2024: Raskin raises allegation in congressional hearing.
Why This Matters: The Politics of Sports Media and Trump’s Record
Trump’s investigation into the NFL was part of a broader pattern of his administration targeting organizations he perceived as hostile to his political agenda. In 2020, his DOJ had launched a similar antitrust probe into the NBA after the league’s players criticized police brutality. That inquiry was later dropped without charges. The NFL case, however, remained open until at least early 2023, according to court filings.
Fox Corporation, owned by Rupert Murdoch, has been a staunch ally of Trump’s since his presidency. The network’s coverage of his administration was far more favorable than that of other major outlets, and Murdoch himself has publicly endorsed Trump. The timing of the NFL investigation—just as Fox was negotiating a multibillion-dollar deal—raises questions about whether the probe was intended to leverage pressure on the league.
Contrast with prior cases:
- NBA (2020): DOJ probe into league’s labor practices after players’ social justice protests. Closed without action.
- NFL (2022–23): Antitrust inquiry during Fox’s media rights negotiations. Status unclear.
- ESPN (2016): Trump criticized the network’s coverage during his campaign, calling it “fake news.”
How This Affects the NFL’s Media Landscape—and Fox’s Future
The NFL’s media rights deals are the most lucrative in sports, and the 2023 package—divided among Amazon ($7.6 billion), NBCUniversal ($46 billion), and Fox ($30 billion)—was a record. While Fox secured a significant portion of the rights (including Sunday Night Football and Thursday Night Football), the deal also marked a shift away from traditional cable dominance, with Amazon’s streaming platform playing a major role.
If Raskin’s allegation holds weight, it could reshape perceptions of how political influence affects corporate sports media. Fox has already faced scrutiny over its coverage of Trump, with critics arguing the network’s reporting was biased. A DOJ investigation tied to business negotiations could further damage Fox’s reputation—and potentially influence future media rights bids.
Fox’s NFL holdings post-2023 deal:
- Sunday Night Football (2023–2033)
- Thursday Night Football (2023–2033)
- NFL on Fox (primetime games)
- International games (Fox Soccer Channel)
What the Law Says: Antitrust and Political Interference
The NFL operates under the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibits businesses from colluding to restrict trade. While the league’s media rights deals are structured as joint ventures among teams, they have faced legal challenges in the past—most notably in the 1990s, when the DOJ sued over the NFL’s broadcast rules. That case was settled without penalties.
However, using a government investigation as leverage for corporate negotiations would raise serious ethical and legal questions. Under the Obstruction of Justice statute, officials who misuse their position for personal or corporate gain could face criminal charges. Whether Trump’s DOJ crossed that line remains unproven.
Prior antitrust cases involving sports leagues:
- 1990s NFL: DOJ sued over broadcast rules; case settled.
- 2010 MLB: Antitrust lawsuit over regional sports networks; league won.
- 2020 NBA: DOJ probe into labor practices; dropped.
Beyond the NFL: How This Affects Sports Media and Viewers
The potential politicization of media rights deals could have ripple effects across sports broadcasting. If networks perceive investigations as a tool for negotiation leverage, it could lead to:
- More cautious bidding: Networks may hesitate to submit aggressive offers if they fear political backlash.
- Shift in coverage: Networks like Fox could face pressure to align reporting with political agendas to secure future deals.
- Fan distrust: Viewers may question the impartiality of broadcasts if they believe deals were influenced by external pressures.
For the NFL, the league’s reputation as a politically neutral entity could also take a hit. While the league has historically avoided overt political statements, its media rights deals are a major revenue driver—and any perception of impropriety could deter future investors.
What Happens Next: Investigations and Transparency
If Raskin’s allegation gains traction, it could lead to:
- DOJ review: The current administration may reopen or review the NFL investigation’s origins.
- Congressional hearings: Further testimony from NFL officials or Fox executives could shed light on the timing.
- Legal action: If obstruction is proven, former officials could face accountability.
The NFL’s next media rights cycle begins in 2028, when the current deals expire. If this controversy persists, it could influence how the league structures future negotiations—and whether it allows political considerations to play a role.
Key Questions Answered
1. Was Trump’s NFL investigation ever resolved?
Yes, but details remain unclear. Court records show the DOJ closed the case in early 2023 without filing charges. However, the exact reason for the closure has not been publicly disclosed.
2. How much did Fox pay for NFL rights?
Fox secured $30 billion in the 2023–2033 media rights deal, covering Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and primetime games. This represents a 20% increase over its previous deal.
3. Could this affect future NFL deals?
Potentially. If political influence is seen as a factor, teams may adopt stricter neutrality policies in media negotiations—or networks could face scrutiny over their reporting.
4. What did the NFL say about the investigation?
The league has not issued a statement specifically addressing Raskin’s allegation. In 2023, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that “the selection of broadcast partners is based solely on the best financial and operational interests of the league.”
This story is developing. For updates, follow Archysport’s coverage of NFL media rights and political interference in sports. Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag us on social media with #NFLMediaWatch.
Next checkpoint: Watch for potential follow-up hearings or DOJ disclosures in the coming weeks.
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