NFL Faces $4.7 Billion Payout in Sunday Ticket Lawsuit

The National Football League (NFL) has been ordered to pay $4.7 billion to fans who purchased the Sunday Ticket streaming package, as well as an additional $96 million to bars that claimed they were overcharged for the service. This verdict, delivered in the U.S. District Court in California, is a significant blow to the league.

The NFL shield logo

The lawsuit, which was filed in 2015, alleged that the NFL, its teams, and network partners were working together to sell the streaming package at an inflated price with no competition. The trial revealed that the NFL declined a proposal from ESPN to take over the rights in 2023, which would have cost $70 with single-team packages.

The NFL Sunday Ticket, which is currently hosted by YouTube TV, is available for purchase at $349 per year. The league plans to appeal the decision, stating that their media distribution strategy is the most fan-friendly in all of sports and entertainment.

“It’s a great verdict for the consumers of America,” said lead attorney Bill Carmody. “We upheld antitrust laws despite the star power of the defendants.”

The verdict is a significant victory for consumers, who will receive a substantial payout from the NFL. The league’s decision to appeal the verdict will likely lead to a lengthy and costly legal battle.

The NFL Sunday Ticket

The NFL’s loss in court is a major setback for the league, which has faced criticism for its handling of the Sunday Ticket package. The verdict is a reminder that the NFL must operate within the bounds of antitrust laws, and that consumers will not be taken advantage of.

NFL games

The NFL’s media distribution strategy has been called into question, and this verdict may lead to changes in how the league approaches broadcasting its games. The verdict is a significant development in the world of sports and entertainment, and will likely have far-reaching implications for the NFL and its fans.