The case filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers against the NFL has sparked a legal battle that is now in the hands of a jury. As both sides wrapped up their arguments, U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez is set to provide final instructions to the jury before they begin deliberations.
Key Arguments
The NFL’s defense revolves around the idea that selling out-of-market games benefits fans and creates a level playing field. Stanford economics professor B. Douglas Bernheim supported this argument, stating that the deal with DirecTV and now Google YouTube TV is in the best interest of the league and its fans. On the other hand, Harvard professor Einer Elhauge, a witness for the plaintiffs, argued that the restraints placed on “Sunday Ticket” do not contribute to competitive balance.
The class-action lawsuit, representing millions of subscribers and businesses, alleges that the NFL violated antitrust laws by inflating the prices of out-of-market games aired on CBS and Fox. The plaintiffs argue that the league’s decision to offer “Sunday Ticket” exclusively on a satellite provider restricts competition and goes against antitrust regulations.
Potential Damages
If the NFL is found liable, the jury could award up to $7 billion in damages, with the possibility of the amount tripling to $21 billion due to antitrust regulations. The stakes are high for both parties involved, as the outcome of this case could have significant financial implications for the league.
Legal History
The legal battle between the NFL and “Sunday Ticket” subscribers dates back to 2015 when the case was initially filed by a sports bar in San Francisco. After being dismissed in 2017, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the case in 2019. Judge Gutierrez’s ruling last year allowed the case to proceed as a class action, opening the door for a potentially groundbreaking decision.
Regardless of the verdict reached by the jury, it is expected that the losing side will appeal the decision, first to the 9th Circuit and possibly all the way to the Supreme Court. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future legal battles involving antitrust laws and the sports industry.
The legal showdown between the NFL and “Sunday Ticket” subscribers represents a clash of interests and principles that will have far-reaching consequences. As the jury prepares to deliberate on this complex case, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the decision reached in this courtroom will shape the future of broadcasting rights and competitive balance in professional sports.
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