NFL found guilty of antitrust violations in ‘Sunday Ticket’ lawsuit, must pay $4.8 billion

After two days of deliberation, a jury found that the National Football League (NFL) violated antitrust laws by monopolizing pricing through the exclusive distribution of the “Sunday Ticket” package on DirecTV. New York Post reports that the league was ordered to pay fans about $4.7 billion and an additional $96 million to bars that subscribed to the service.

The verdict ends a three-week trial in which prominent figures testified, including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The decision, which found the NFL guilty of creating an unfair monopoly, could lead to changes in the way the league packages and sells game broadcasts.

In response to the ruling, the NFL said it will appeal and defend its media distribution strategy, which it says is the most fan-friendly model in sports and entertainment. That strategy includes broadcasting all games on free over-the-air television in local markets, distributing popular games nationally and offering additional options through services like RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+. “We will certainly challenge this decision because we believe the class action claims in this case are without merit and without merit,” the NFL said.

Read more: Jury considers NFL ‘Sunday Ticket’ class action lawsuit

Looking ahead, if the judgment is not overturned, the court could be asked to consider structural changes to the Sunday Ticket package. In addition, plaintiffs’ attorneys are expected to seek an award of attorneys’ fees. Once these issues are resolved, the NFL plans to appeal any adverse rulings to the Ninth Circuit. The league anticipates that any damages and changes to the Sunday Ticket package will be delayed until all appeals are exhausted.

Source: New York Post