The Justice Department has begun an investigation into the NFL's antitrust exemption, which allows it to collectively bargain with broadcasters over the sport's broadcast rights. The league, which generates $23 billion annually, is worth around $228 billion and should not rely on government subsidies. The NFL's business model is criticized for its embrace of gambling and aggressive corporate practices. The investigation was sparked by US Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who heads the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on antitrust. Lee argues that the league licenses games simultaneously to subscription streaming platforms, premium cable networks, and technology companies operating under different business models. However, Lee also questions whether consumers have to pay to watch every NFL game, arguing that there is no constitutional right to see every game on any given weekend.