Ninth Circuit Reinstates NFL Sunday Ticket Antitrust Liability Verdict and Orders New Damages Trial
What happened
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a jury verdict finding the NFL liable for antitrust violations via its Sunday Ticket broadcasts, ordering a fresh trial to recalculate damages.
The Context
* The original challenge: Roughly 2.4 million residential and 48,000 commercial DirecTV subscribers sued the NFL, alleging the league pooled broadcast rights between 2011 and 2022 to artificially inflate subscription costs. * The procedural flip: A trial judge threw out the jury's original ruling in 2024 by excluding key expert testimony, but the appellate panel ruled that dismissal an abuse of judicial discretion. * The legal split: While the appellate court permanently cemented the finding of liability under Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, it agreed the initial financial model was speculative, requiring a new jury to assess damages.
The Number
— the initial jury award that was thrown out for recalculation, an amount that could climb past $14 billion under federal antitrust rules if trebled in the next trial phase.
Takeaway
Expect the NFL to petition the Supreme Court while media executives recalibrate the legal risk around exclusive sports distribution rights.
Conservative-leaning political and national coverage.
"The Washington Times is a conservative-leaning newspaper known for its political coverage and advocacy of right-of-center viewpoints."
— A47 Editor
Appellate court revives 'Sunday Ticket' antitrust verdict against the NFL
A federal appeals court on Friday revived a class-action verdict brought by "Sunday Ticket" subscribers, who alleged the National Football League violated antitrust laws. The jury had found the league liable for $4.7 billion in damages, but a federal...
Breaking news, scores, player stats, and analysis across all major sports.
"Yahoo Sports is a comprehensive digital sports destination known for stats, fantasy sports, and real-time updates."
— A47 Editor
NFL’s $4.7 Billion ‘Sunday Ticket’ Antitrust Verdict Revived by Appeals Court
A federal appeals court has reinstated the jury verdict in the class-action antitrust lawsuit against the NFL over its out-of-market Sunday Ticket package, but rejected the original $4.7 billion damages award and ordered a new trial on damages.
Covers sports media, commentary, and broadcasting trends.
"Awful Announcing critiques sports media and highlights trends in sports broadcasting."
— A47 Editor
Appeals court reinstates NFL Sunday Ticket verdict, orders new trial on damages
A federal appeals court, the Ninth Circuit, has reinstated a jury verdict in the class-action antitrust lawsuit against the NFL over its out-of-market Sunday Ticket package, while ordering a new trial on damages. The ruling was issued by a three-judg...