Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, August 27, 2026
The AFL-NFL merger required Congressional approval to comply with antitrust laws. After initial resistance from Congressman Emanuel Celler, Senator Russell Long and Congressman Hale Boggs secured approval by demanding an NFL franchise in New Orleans, leading to the creation of the Saints and President Lyndon Johnson signing the bill into law.
“Under federal antitrust law, two competing corporate giants cannot simply conspire in a backroom deal to eliminate competition, suppress labor costs, and divide the national television market.”
“Their terms for Rozelle were simple: If there wasn't an NFL franchise in New Orleans, there would be no merger.”
“Rozelle agreed, and Boggs slipped the language into an appropriations bill, which was quickly signed into law by football fan President Lyndon Johnson.”