NFL pushes back on criticism of streaming games

It seems like the NFL is doubling down on the idea that streaming games are the way to go, which is a major red flag for our wallets. When major sports leagues push the narrative that streaming is the only way to watch, it usually means they are segmenting content and making it harder (and more expensive) to access everything in one place. For us budget-conscious viewers, this just means the streaming pie is getting bigger, and we're going to have to pay for more slices.

This push for exclusive, scattered streaming rights means we can’t just subscribe to one service and feel covered. We’ll likely need to jump between multiple platforms—a major drain on any household budget. Instead of thinking about subscribing to *more* services, you need to think about *rotating* them. If you only care about football in October, don't keep that subscription running through December.

Before you commit to any new premium sports package, ask yourself: Is this content worth the $20-$30/month commitment? Consider if a cheaper, more general viewing experience (like a local broadcast network or a package that includes multiple services) might cover your needs, or if you can wait for a free trial or a promotional bundle. Don't let the hype convince you to open your wallet for every single streaming exclusive!