The Complex Relationship Between Donald Trump and the NFL

Fri Feb 06 2026 19:00:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A deep dive into Donald Trump's long-standing interactions with the NFL, exploring the conflicts, alliances, and recent developments that shape this intricate relationship.

Donald Trump's relationship with the NFL has evolved over decades, involving attempts to purchase franchises, public conflicts regarding player protests, and collaborations with league officials. As Trump and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell have recently shared the stage, questions arise about the future of their complicated alliance in light of Trump's political career and ongoing controversies in professional football.

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.

However, with the conclusion of Super Bowl 60 approaching, BBC Sport examines Trump's tumultuous and intricate relationship with the NFL and speculation about its future twists.

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. Trump's journey began with a failed bid for the Baltimore Colts before he bought the New Jersey Generals, one of the founding members of the USFL, in 1983.

The USFL initially aimed to complement the NFL’s spring season, but Trump lobbied for it to switch to an autumn-winter schedule. This led to an anti-trust lawsuit against the NFL in hopes of forcing a merger and securing an NFL franchise.

The trial found the NFL an 'illegal monopoly', but the USFL was awarded just $3, leading to its dissolution shortly after.

Did failed Bills bid lead to presidential run?

Trump's attempts to buy an NFL team continued with an unsuccessful bid for the Buffalo Bills in 2014. In court, it was revealed that his inflated net worth claims were part of the strategy. Following this defeated bid, he declared his presidential candidacy within months, reportedly claiming that he would get them all back.

Trump and the anthem debate

During his first presidential run, Trump's public criticism of NFL players protesting during the national anthem drew significant media attention and backlash from players and owners alike. His stance resulted in new policies from the NFL intended to address the protests and further ignited divisions within both the league and the public.

Added intrigue around White House visits

Trump's role and interactions with NFL teams have garnered particular scrutiny when championship teams visit the White House. The dynamics of political affiliations and player responses have changed perceptions of these ceremonies significantly.

Could Trump create more NFL history?

After attending Super Bowl LV, Trump welcomed news that Washington, DC would host the NFL Draft, which some say positions him to make more history in the realm of American football. Nonetheless, ongoing tensions regarding team names and political acts continue to complicate his relationship with the league.

Amidst his continued engagement with sports and politics, Trump's actions suggest he sees an opportunity to intertwine the two realms more closely, steering narratives around the NFL in ways his predecessors never did.