NFL Faces New Trial to Determine Financial Damages in Sunday Ticket Lawsuit

A federal appeals court has ordered a new trial in the class-action lawsuit against the NFL to determine financial damages for subscribers of the Sunday Ticket out-of-market games package. The case now returns to the district court following the recent appellate ruling.

Appeals Court Ruling

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a district court judge erred in tossing the verdict against the NFL following a 2024 trial. While the appeals court agreed that the original $4.7 billion damages award was properly thrown out because the jury relied on improper evidence considerations, it determined that consumers are entitled to a new trial specifically to assess financial penalties.

Background of the Case

Originally filed in 2015, the class-action lawsuit represents more than 2.4 million residential subscribers and over 48,000 commercial establishments that purchased NFL Sunday Ticket while it was distributed by DirecTV. Plaintiffs alleged that the NFL and its partners overcharged consumers by conspiring to inflate the price of the exclusive package.

Following a June 2024 trial where a federal jury ordered the NFL to pay $4.7 billion, U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez vacated the award, ruling it was based on speculation. Gutierrez had previously found expert testimony from Daniel Rascher inadmissible. However, the appeals court concluded that the jury should have been permitted to consider that testimony.

NFL Response and Practical Implications

• An NFL spokesperson expressed disappointment with the decision, noting the case has been ongoing for over 11 years.
• The league stated it is considering options for seeking further appellate review.
• The NFL continues to defend its media distribution strategy as fan-friendly.

Observers can verify court filings and appellate decisions through official federal court records or legal news databases.