The NFL has been embroiled in an anti-trust lawsuit regarding the pricing of its annual service, “Sunday Ticket.” The lawsuit alleged that the league had kept the price of the service artificially high and had colluded with networks such as FOX and CBS to maintain high ratings for locally televised games. The initial ruling in the case favored the class action lawsuit, leading the NFL to face potential damages amounting to $4.7 billion, with the possibility of the figure escalating to $12 billion due to violations of anti-trust laws.
Following the initial ruling, the NFL appealed the decision, leading to a new trial process where prominent figures in the league, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, testified on the price of “Sunday Ticket.” After much deliberation, a federal judge ultimately overturned the initial decision made by the jury, ruling in favor of the NFL. This decision came as a surprise to many, as it negated the billions of dollars the league was set to pay to those who had purchased “Sunday Ticket” based on the first ruling.
The lawsuit alleged that the NFL intentionally maintained high prices for “Sunday Ticket,” claiming it was a premium product, despite arguments from consumers that the pricing was unfair. The league’s attorney, Beth Wilkinson, argued that the case was about choice and emphasized the value of the product. Despite the overturned verdict, it is expected that the pricing for “Sunday Ticket” will remain the same through the 2024 season. One significant change resulting from the lawsuit is the availability of the service via streaming platforms, allowing bars, restaurants, and patrons to access “Sunday Ticket” without subscribing to specific cable providers.
The appeal process for the lawsuit is anticipated to extend through the 2024 season, and any additional changes to the service, such as streaming options, may not be fully implemented until 2025. The ongoing legal battle over the pricing of “Sunday Ticket” has brought significant scrutiny to the NFL’s practices regarding the service and has led to changes in how the product is accessed and distributed. Despite the overturned verdict in favor of the NFL, the controversy surrounding the league’s pricing strategies and partnerships with networks continues to be a focal point for consumers, businesses, and legal experts alike. The outcome of this lawsuit is likely to impact future decisions made by the NFL regarding the pricing and accessibility of “Sunday Ticket” and may lead to further changes in how the service is offered to fans in the upcoming seasons.
