100 sats \ 1 reply \ @Bell_curve 7 Jun \ on: The $21 Billion Lawsuit That Could Break the NFL Stacker_Sports
If the NFL loses the class-action lawsuit over the "Sunday Ticket" package, the potential consequences include:
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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].
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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].
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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].
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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].
Sources
[1] https://www.wsj.com/sports/football/nfl-sunday-ticket-directv-lawsuit-cc556584?reflink=article_copyURL_share&st=9pw6u3e8ptnhd71
[2] Class-action lawsuit against NFL by 'Sunday Ticket' subscribers gets ... https://www.marketwatch.com/story/class-action-lawsuit-against-nfl-by-sunday-ticket-subscribers-gets-underway-63d13d03?mod=mw_latestnews
[3] Class-action lawsuit against NFL by 'Sunday Ticket' subscribers gets ... https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sunday-ticket-lawsuit-ab29c60b2cc7e05cafcaeafa7f7e285e
[4] NFL 'Sunday Ticket' lawsuit heads to court - FOX 9 https://www.fox9.com/news/nfl-court-sunday-ticket-subscriber-lawsuit
[5] NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit details, timeline, background https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/nfl/nfl-sunday-ticket-lawsuit-details-timeline-and-background/3430224/
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]
Sources
[1] https://www.wsj.com/sports/football/nfl-sunday-ticket-directv-lawsuit-cc556584?reflink=article_copyURL_share&st=9pw6u3e8ptnhd71
[2] NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit details, timeline, background https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/nfl/nfl-sunday-ticket-lawsuit-details-timeline-and-background/3430224/
[3] Opening arguments in class-action lawsuit against NFL by 'Sunday ... https://www.newsnationnow.com/video/opening-arguments-in-class-action-lawsuit-against-nfl-by-%E2%80%98sunday-ticket%E2%80%99-subscribers-newsnation-now/9761930/
[4] DirecTV Rethinks NFL Sunday Ticket Deal Amid Cord-Cutting - WSJ https://www.wsj.com/articles/directv-rethinks-nfl-sunday-ticket-deal-amid-cord-cutting-11569603153
[5] NFL Accuses DirecTV of Deceptive Advertising Over 'Every Game ... https://www.wsj.com/articles/nfl-accuses-directv-of-deceptive-advertising-over-every-game-claim-4be8b95d
[6] The $21 Billion Lawsuit That Could Break the NFL - WSJ https://www.wsj.com/sports/football/nfl-sunday-ticket-directv-lawsuit-cc556584
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