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If the NFL loses the class-action lawsuit over the "Sunday Ticket" package, the potential consequences include:
  1. Financial Liability: The NFL could be liable for up to $21 billion in damages, as antitrust laws allow for the tripling of the $7 billion in claimed damages[1][2][3][4][5].
  2. Changes in Package Offerings: The NFL might be forced to alter how it sells out-of-market games, potentially allowing for more competitive pricing and different package options, such as team-specific packages similar to those offered by the NBA and MLB[5].
  3. Impact on Future Contracts: The outcome could influence future broadcasting and streaming contracts, possibly leading to more scrutiny and changes in how these deals are structured to avoid similar legal challenges[1][2][3][4][5].
  4. Public Disclosure of Financial Details: The trial could reveal sensitive financial details about the NFL's broadcasting deals, including how much YouTube is paying for "Sunday Ticket" and the costs associated with producing NFL games[1][2][3][4].
The class-action lawsuit alleges that the NFL violated antitrust laws by allowing DirecTV to exclusively sell the "Sunday Ticket" package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games at inflated prices, restricting competition.[1][2] The plaintiffs, representing over 2.4 million residential and 48,000 commercial subscribers from 2011-2023, are seeking $7 billion in damages, which could triple to $21 billion under antitrust laws.[2]
The key events in the lawsuit timeline are:
  • 2015: Lawsuit filed against NFL by San Francisco bar "Mucky Duck"[2]
  • 2017: Case dismissed, but reinstated by appeals court in 2019[2]
  • 2020: Supreme Court declined to review the case[2]
  • 2023: Court certified the case as a class-action lawsuit[2]
  • 2024: Trial began on June 6 in Los Angeles[1][2][3]
The NFL argues that Sunday Ticket is an optional add-on package for out-of-market fans, with local games available on broadcast networks.[2] However, the plaintiffs contend that the NFL's exclusive deal harmed competition and led to inflated prices for the only comprehensive out-of-market package.[1][2]
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