The Complex Relationship Between Trump and the NFL

Sat Feb 07 2026 00:53:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An in-depth look at the multifaceted ties between Trump and the National Football League, exploring past conflicts and present developments.

This article delves into the complex, long-standing relationship between Donald Trump and the NFL, highlighting tensions stemming from Trump's previous bids to own a team, controversial statements regarding player protests, and a surprising turn of events as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell joined Trump to announce the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, D.C. The involvement of Trump's business tactics, including lawsuits and team ownership aspirations, frames a narrative of both rivalry and unexpected partnerships.

Trump and the NFL - why it's complicated

American football fans never thought they would see the day - the head of the National Football League standing shoulder to shoulder with Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

Trump has frequently traded blows with the NFL since he first became US president in 2017, but he and America's most popular sports league have been sparring partners for more than 40 years.

Trump's 'feud' with the NFL has involved him testifying against the league and failing, on multiple occasions, to buy a team. It may even have propelled him to the presidency.

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell joined Trump in May to announce the NFL Draft would be coming to Washington DC for the first time, it seemed Trump had finally made friends with arguably his oldest foe.

With this season set to conclude with Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, BBC Sport examines Trump's long and complicated relationship with the NFL and why it could be set for another twist.

Lawsuit fails to force league merger

Already a real-estate magnate by that point, Trump viewed owning an American football team as a means of building his brand. After attempting to acquire an NFL franchise, a 37-year-old Trump bought the New Jersey Generals in September 1983.

They were founding members of the USFL, which started in the spring of 1983. The Generals improved during their two seasons but lost in the first round of the play-offs both years. Trump had made his intentions clear; he wanted to go directly against the NFL in autumn-winter.

In August 1984, Trump convinced team owners to vote on switching to an autumn-winter schedule from 1986, leading to a lawsuit against the NFL. The trial lasted 42 days, and although the jury found the NFL had conspired to monopolize TV contracts, it awarded only $3 to the USFL, contributing to its demise.

Did failed Bills bid lead to presidential run?

Trump's interest in the NFL continued as he attempted to buy several franchises. He bid for the Buffalo Bills in 2014, claiming he offered $1 billion in cash, but ultimately the team sold to Terry Pegula for $1.4 billion. The implications of his bid surfaced during his fraud trial regarding inflating his assets.

Trump and the anthem debate

It was during Trump's first presidential run when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick protested racial injustice. Trump was vocally critical of the protests, urging fans to boycott the league and advocating for change in NFL rules regarding player conduct.

Added intrigue around White House visits

The tradition of championship teams visiting the White House took on new dimensions under Trump. Some players, including Tom Brady, declined to join the Patriots' 2017 visit, citing political objections to Trump.

Could Trump create more NFL history?

After attending a Super Bowl as the first sitting president, Trump joined Goodell and Commanders' owner Josh Harris to announce Washington D.C. would host the 2027 draft. However, Trump hinted he may block plans if the Commanders do not change their name back to the one considered offensive.

This ongoing relationship between Trump and the NFL continues to evolve, marked by past tensions and potential future collaborations.