Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch Denies NFL Tension Amid Broadcast Deal Negotiations

Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch has dismissed reports of tension between the network and the NFL, stating during an earnings call on Monday that "there is no tension really with the NFL."

Murdoch’s remarks follow a series of public critiques from his father, Rupert Murdoch, who has publicly opposed the NFL’s growing reliance on streaming platforms. In February, Rupert Murdoch reportedly told former President Donald Trump that the league’s migration of games from broadcast networks to streaming could "kill the networks."

The Wall Street Journal, owned by Rupert Murdoch, published an editorial questioning why the NFL continues to deserve a broadcast antitrust exemption. The league has since faced increased scrutiny, including a Department of Justice (DOJ) probe into whether it has exceeded the boundaries of its existing exemption by selling games to paid streaming services.

On Sunday, President Trump also weighed in, criticizing the cost of streaming NFL games for consumers. While his claim that fans pay $1,000 per game was inaccurate, the broader issue of rising streaming costs has gained national attention.

Fox Expands NFL Broadcast Package for 2026

Despite the political pressure, Fox announced it will add two nationally-televised NFL games to its existing broadcast package for 2026. The limited expansion follows similar moves by NBC and CBS, which secured additional games or prime-time slots for the upcoming seasons.

These adjustments come as the NFL and its broadcast partners negotiate new deals that could significantly increase annual payments. Current contracts with CBS, Fox, NBC, Amazon, and YouTube run through 2029, while ESPN/ABC’s deal extends to 2030.

Broader Industry Shifts Fuel Tension

The negotiations reflect a broader industry shift, with the NFL exploring streaming as a key revenue driver. The league’s recent broadcast deals with the NBA, which secured record-breaking payments, have set a new benchmark that traditional networks are now pressuring the NFL to match.

Commissioner Roger Goodell’s recent profile in Vanity Fair further highlighted the league’s push for higher broadcast fees, reinforcing the high stakes of these negotiations.

While Fox’s expansion suggests a short-term resolution, the deeper question remains: Will the NFL prioritize traditional broadcast networks or accelerate its shift to streaming platforms?