The NFL has faced scrutiny in recent weeks – including from the U.S. Government – for its move into the streaming world. More and more NFL games are being aired exclusively on streaming platforms, like Peacock or Netflix.
Even President Trump is getting tired of it.
Advertisement
“They’re making a lot of money. They could make a little bit less. … You have people that live for Sunday… and then all of a sudden, they’re gonna have to pay $1,000 a game. It’s crazy. So, I’m not happy about it,” he said.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 01: NFL Christmas Gameday signage advertising the NFL’s two Christmas Day marquee games streaming live on Netflix on December 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images
The NFL, meanwhile, has clapped back at the critics, claiming that 87 percent of its games remain free to watch for all, on network TV.
But how true is that, exactly?
NFL insider Mike Florio has responded to the claim.
NFL’s 87 percent claim gets immediately fact checked
NFL insider Mike Florio sounded off on the league’s claim.
Advertisement
“This talking point that has been making the rounds now and is starting to stick with some people in the media who aren’t thinking critically— 87% of the games are available on free TV,” Florio said on a recent episode of PFT Live. “That’s become the— basically, ‘Leave us alone.’ 87% of the games are on free TV, and it sounds great. And you’ve got people who do what we do for a living who are signing on to that and parroting it, but the big thing that we’re missing— most of those games are clustered into 3 windows on a Sunday, where you’re going to get at most 3 games. You’re not getting the rest of them unless you get Sunday Ticket.
“So they’re on free TV, yeah, but you ain’t getting 87% of them. I’m not getting 87— nobody’s getting 87% of the games for free.”
The NFL doesn’t appear to be moving away from its streaming strategy, either. More and more games are headed to YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, etc.
Advertisement
And it’s NFL fans that have to pay the price.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.