The federal judge overseeing the class-action lawsuit brought by 'Sunday Ticket' subscribers against the NFL expressed frustration with the handling of the case by the plaintiffs' attorneys. The lawsuit, covering 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses, alleges that the NFL violated antitrust laws by selling its out-of-market games package at an inflated price and restricting competition by offering 'Sunday Ticket' exclusively through a satellite provider.
The NFL argues that it has the right to sell 'Sunday Ticket' under its broadcasting antitrust exemption, while the plaintiffs contend that the exemption only applies to over-the-air broadcasts, not pay TV. If found liable, the NFL could face damages of up to $21 billion due to the potential tripling of damages in antitrust cases.
The judge criticized the attorneys for the complexity of the case, which has involved lengthy depositions and convoluted arguments. He also questioned the relevance of certain testimonies, including references to a past lawsuit involving Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones challenging the NFL's licensing procedures.
Testimonies from industry figures, such as retired CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, highlighted concerns about the impact of 'Sunday Ticket' on local market exclusivity and pricing strategies. The NFL's agreements with broadcasters stipulate that 'Sunday Ticket' should be marketed as a premium product for avid fans and prohibit individual game sales on a pay-per-view basis.
The NFL received a rights fee from DirecTV for 'Sunday Ticket' from 1994 to 2022, with Google's YouTube TV acquiring rights for seven seasons starting last year. The court will continue to hear testimony, with closing statements expected next week. The judge indicated doubts about the strength of the plaintiffs' case and suggested the possibility of ruling against them if sufficient evidence is lacking.
