A federal appeals court has breathed new life into a high-stakes class-action lawsuit against the
The appellate panel’s decision mandates the reinstatement of the jury's original finding of liability against the NFL. While the court ordered a new trial specifically to address the calculation of damages, the ruling marks a significant development in a legal battle that has spanned nearly a decade and involves billions of dollars in potential financial exposure for the league.
Legal Battle Over Antitrust Allegations
The class-action lawsuit, which originated from a 2015 filing by a San Francisco sports bar, represents approximately 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses. The plaintiffs argued that the NFL artificially inflated the cost of the 'Sunday Ticket' package—which provided access to out-of-market games between 2011 and 2022—and stifled competition by restricting the service to a single satellite provider.
In June 2024, a jury found the NFL liable for more than $4.7 billion in damages. However, U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez subsequently vacated that award, ruling that the testimony provided by the plaintiffs' expert witnesses was based on flawed methodologies and should have been excluded. The 9th Circuit panel disagreed with that assessment, with Judge Anthony D. Johnstone writing that expert opinions are not unreliable simply because they are subject to impeachment. The court determined that such evidence is for a jury to weigh, and that a verdict should stand if supported by the evidence.
Future Proceedings and NFL Response
Despite reinstating the liability verdict, the appellate court noted that the original jury failed to follow specific instructions regarding the calculation of damages, suggesting the initial figures were based on speculation. Consequently, the case will head back to the district court for a new trial focused solely on determining the appropriate financial penalty.
The NFL, which has consistently defended its media distribution strategy as a fan-friendly model, reiterated its position following the ruling. The league maintains that its approach, which includes broadcasting every game on free over-the-air television in participating markets alongside supplemental options like 'Sunday Ticket' and NFL Plus, remains the most effective way to serve its audience. Attorneys for both the plaintiffs and the league have indicated they are currently reviewing their options in light of the appellate court's decision.
