The judge overseeing the class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers against the NFL expressed dissatisfaction with the jury’s decision on damages. U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez highlighted that the jury did not adhere to his instructions regarding the basis for the damages calculation. This deviation led to an award of $4.7 billion in damages to residential and commercial subscribers, a figure that surprised many experts in the field.
Judge Gutierrez emphasized in his jury instructions that damages should be substantiated and not based on guesswork or speculation. However, the jury, consisting of eight individuals, proceeded to develop their own method for calculating damages. This methodology involved using the 2021 list price and the average amount paid by residential subscribers to determine the “overcharge” and ultimately the damages amount. The resulting figure of $4.7 billion diverged significantly from the estimates provided by economic experts in the case.
Economists such as Daniel Rascher and John Zona had presented different models for calculating damages, with estimates ranging from $3.48 billion to $7.01 billion. These models were based on specific criteria and market conditions, providing a framework for understanding the potential financial impact on subscribers. The jury’s decision not to align with these expert opinions raised concerns about the validity of the damages amount.
Due to the application of federal antitrust laws, the NFL could face tripled damages amounting to $14,121,779,833.92. The league has announced its intention to appeal the verdict, a process that would involve the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and potentially the Supreme Court. Until all appeals are concluded, any payment of damages, adjustments to the “Sunday Ticket” package, or modifications to broadcasting methods for Sunday afternoon games would be put on hold.
In response to the jury’s decision, the NFL has defended its media distribution model, highlighting the accessibility of games through local broadcasts and additional viewing options for fans. The league emphasized its commitment to providing a fan-friendly experience and reiterated its stance on the lawsuit’s allegations. NFL attorneys have challenged the damages amount and called for a reconsideration of the verdict based on legal grounds and evidentiary support.
The outcome of the lawsuit between “Sunday Ticket” subscribers and the NFL has sparked controversy and raised questions about the jury’s decision-making process. With the potential for significant financial repercussions and legal ramifications, this case has attracted attention from both industry experts and sports enthusiasts alike. The ongoing legal proceedings and the possibility of appeals signal a protracted resolution to this dispute, highlighting the complexity of antitrust issues within the sports broadcasting landscape.
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