The NFL’s Premium Product: A Defense of Sunday Ticket

As the NFL’s Commissioner, Roger Goodell, took the stand in federal court on Monday, he reiterated the league’s stance on the Sunday Ticket package: it’s a premium product, and fans are willing to pay for it. But is it really worth the cost?

Goodell’s testimony came as part of an ongoing class-action lawsuit filed by 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package from 2011 through 2022. The plaintiffs claim that the NFL broke antitrust laws by selling the package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games at an inflated price, and restricted competition by only offering it on a satellite provider.

Goodell defends the NFL’s broadcast model

“We have been clear throughout that it is a premium product. Not just on pricing but quality,” Goodell said during cross-examination. “Fans make that choice whether they wanted it or not. I’m sure there were fans who said it was too costly.”

But is the Sunday Ticket package really worth the cost? As a football fan, I can attest to the excitement of watching my favorite team play, even if they’re not local. But is it worth the hefty price tag? I’m not so sure.

The thrill of watching live football

The NFL maintains that it has the right to sell the Sunday Ticket package under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. But the plaintiffs argue that this exemption only covers over-the-air broadcasts, not pay TV. It’s a complex issue, and one that will likely have far-reaching implications for the NFL and its fans.

A packed stadium on game day

As the trial continues, one thing is clear: the NFL’s Sunday Ticket package is a premium product, but is it worth the cost? Only time will tell.