The NFL has spent the past several years pushing more games onto streaming platforms, but a new survey suggests many fans are growing tired of the rising costs and increasing complexity that come with following America’s most popular sport.
According to a new Casino Guru USA survey, of 2,000 NFL fans, an overwhelming 93% believe watching NFL games has become too expensive. The May 2026 findings come as the league continues to expand its streaming footprint through deals with services like Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, ESPN, and others, with total costs estimated between $765 and $1,600 to follow every game.
For cord cutters, the results highlight a growing concern among many NFL fans. When the league entered the digital frontier, streaming was supposed to make watching TV cheaper and easier, yet it increasingly feels like NFL fans are paying more while getting a more confusing viewing experience.
Fans Say the NFL Is Putting Profits Ahead of Viewers, and the Streaming Push Is Hurting Interest
The strongest message from the survey was that many fans believe the league’s priorities have shifted.
According to the data:
- 90.3% of fans agree that the NFL’s streaming strategy prioritizes profits over the fan experience
- 61.8% strongly agree with that statement
- 93% say NFL viewing has become too expensive
- More than half (51.6%) say it is “much too expensive”
As media rights deals continue to grow in value, many fans appear to feel that the costs are increasingly being passed on to viewers. Perhaps the most concerning finding for the league is that streaming-exclusive games may be reducing interest among some fans.
According to the survey:
- 17.5% say they are much less interested in watching the NFL because of streaming-exclusive games
- 41.1% say they are slightly less interested
- Just 8.1% say streaming exclusives have made them more interested
In total, nearly 6 in 10 fans report that the increase in streaming-exclusive games has made them less interested in following the league.
Nearly 8 in 10 Fans Have Missed Games Because of Streaming Confusion
One of the biggest frustrations isn’t just the cost, it’s figuring out where games are airing. The survey found that 79% of fans have missed NFL games because they either didn’t have access to the required streaming platform or couldn’t determine where the game was being broadcast.
That statistic underscores one of the biggest complaints from football fans today. Depending on the week, games can be spread across more than 10 different networks or streaming platforms. What was once largely available through a cable package or antenna now often requires multiple subscriptions and a weekly search to determine where a game is airing.
Trump’s “Golden Goose” Warning Resonates With Fans, And Some Are Turning to Illegal Streams
The debate over NFL streaming has gone beyond the field, entering the arena of politics. Back in May, in an interview on Full Measure, President Trump warned that the league could be “killing the golden goose” by putting more games behind streaming paywalls.
According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of NFL fans agree with that assessment. The findings suggest many viewers are concerned that the league’s aggressive pursuit of streaming revenue could eventually hurt fan engagement if costs and viewing barriers continue to rise.
The study found that 59% of fans say the rise in streaming-exclusive games has made them less interested in the NFL. And as prices continue to climb, some viewers are looking for alternatives.
The survey found:
- 41.2% have used an illegal stream because subscription costs were too high
- 31.8% have watched games at a bar or restaurant instead of subscribing
- 21.5% have watched at a friend’s house
- 10.1% have used a family member’s or friend’s account
This fits the broader consumer trend that many are actively seeking ways to avoid adding yet another subscription to their monthly bills.
Fans Want Simplicity, Not More Subscriptions
The survey paints a picture of fans who aren’t necessarily opposed to streaming itself. Instead, many appear frustrated by the growing number of services required to watch a full NFL season. For years, cord cutters have embraced streaming as a cheaper alternative to cable. But as premium sports become scattered across multiple services, the savings can quickly disappear.
The NFL remains the most-watched programming on television, giving the league enormous leverage in media negotiations. However, this survey suggests many fans are beginning to question whether the current approach is sustainable.
If the NFL wants to keep viewers engaged, the message from fans is they want fewer barriers, fewer subscriptions, and a simpler way to watch the games they love.
Credit: Casino Guru USA