Why the NFL just gave up its nonprofit status: to escape scrutiny - Vox

" . . . lawmakers have used the tax-exempt status as a point of leverage in investigating the NFL's mishandling of concussions, among other issues.

Apparently, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and team owners decided the tax-exempt status was no longer worth it. . . . "

" But more important, filing as a taxable, privately held entity will mean that the NFL no longer has to disclose its income — or the oft-criticized salary of its commissioner, Goodell. "