The recent class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers against the NFL has taken a new turn as U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez criticized the jury for not following his instructions in determining damages. The judge expressed his concerns during the NFL’s post-trial motion hearing, where the league requested a ruling in its favor if it is found that the plaintiffs did not adequately prove their case. The jury’s independent calculations for damages have raised questions about the validity of the awarded amount, prompting Gutierrez to consider the possibility of ordering a new trial.
Following the jury’s ruling on June 27, which awarded $4.7 billion in damages to both residential and commercial subscribers of the “Sunday Ticket” package, the NFL was found liable for violating antitrust laws. The lawsuit, representing over 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses in the United States, accused the league of unfairly inflating the price of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Additionally, the plaintiffs claimed that the NFL’s exclusive partnership with a single satellite provider limited competition in the market. Despite expert testimonies and established valuation models, the jury arrived at a significantly lower damages amount that deviated from conventional calculations.
The jury’s decision to determine damages based on individual subscriber overcharges and a multiplied sum has been met with criticism from the NFL’s legal team. The discrepancy between the awarded amount and the estimations provided by economic experts has raised doubts about the validity of the jury’s methodology. The league’s attorney, Brian Stekloff, denounced the damages amount as indefensible, highlighting the need for a thorough reconsideration of the calculations made by the jury. However, Marc Seltzer, representing the “Sunday Ticket” subscribers, defended the jury’s decision by emphasizing the evidence that supported their case from the onset.
In response to the jury’s verdict, the NFL issued a statement asserting that the ruling is contrary to the law and lacks substantial evidence presented during the trial. The league defended its media distribution model as one of the most fan-friendly approaches in sports, offering various avenues for fans to access NFL content. With the potential for damages to triple under federal antitrust laws, the NFL faces the prospect of being liable for a significant financial penalty. The league has indicated its intention to appeal the verdict, with the case likely to move through the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and potentially to the Supreme Court. Any payments of damages, alterations to the “Sunday Ticket” package, or changes to the NFL’s broadcasting methods would be put on hold until all appeals processes have been exhausted.
As the legal battle between the NFL and “Sunday Ticket” subscribers continues, the outcome of the class-action lawsuit remains uncertain. The discrepancies in damages calculations, the league’s commitment to defending its distribution model, and the uncertain appeals process all contribute to the complexity of the case. The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond financial damages, touching on issues of antitrust regulations, market competition, and consumer access to premium sports content. The resolution of this legal dispute could set a precedent for future challenges against sports leagues and media distribution practices.
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