NFL loses antitrust suit, ordered to pay $4.7 billion

[wco81]

In a class action suit in which both Roger Goddell and Jerry Jones testified, a jury awarded the plaintiffs $4.7 billion.

The class action case alleged that the NFL violated antitrust law by capping distribution and limiting competition, offering “Sunday Ticket” only on DirecTV, a satellite provider. The case also alleged that this allowed DirecTV to charge customers artificially inflated prices for “Sunday Ticket.”

NFL will appeal.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/06/27/sunday-ticket-trial-nfl-ruling-subscribers-directv/74208573007/

$4.7 billion is just less than half of what the league receives in TV rights money every year.

[Otis Driftwood]

I look forward eagerly to receiving my $1900 in compensation…

[WentzerWuver]

In a class action suit in which both Roger Goddell and Jerry Jones testified, a jury awarded the plaintiffs $4.7 billion.

The class action case alleged that the NFL violated antitrust law by capping distribution and limiting competition, offering “Sunday Ticket” only on DirecTV, a satellite provider. The case also alleged that this allowed DirecTV to charge customers artificially inflated prices for “Sunday Ticket.”

NFL will appeal.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/06/27/sunday-ticket-trial-nfl-ruling-subscribers-directv/74208573007/

$4.7 billion is just less than half of what the league receives in TV rights money every year.

I doubt it will go in their favor on the appeal.

[Mariner]

The NFL only wins their cases against the players.
It’s much more difficult for them when it’s not a kangaroo court.

[wco81]

So a judge has tossed this jury verdict.

The ruling, opens new tab by Los Angeles-based U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez followed arguments by the NFL that the verdict was unjustified and the result of a "runaway" jury.
The NFL in a statement said it welcomed the judge's ruling. "We believe that the NFL's media distribution model provides our fans with an array of options to follow the game they love," the NFL said.
Lawyers for the subscribers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl/us-judge-throws-out-47-bln-verdict-against-nfl-sunday-ticket-lawsuit-2024-08-02/

No word from the plaintiffs yet but they could appeal this judge’s ruling.