Speaker Mike Johnson Misstates NFL Streaming Details in Public Criticism
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson publicly criticized the National Football League (NFL) for placing games on streaming platforms, claiming that the first game of the 2026 season would be behind a paywall. However, this statement was incorrect, as the Patriots and Seahawks game, which opened the season, aired on NBC and was free for all viewers. Johnson's comments were made in the context of a Republican convention, where he suggested the timing was strategic because the NFL game would be on a streaming service, thus ensuring more eyes on the convention. While the first game was free, the second game of the season, featuring the 49ers and Rams, is scheduled to air on Netflix as part of the league's Australia game.
