June 6, 2024 – A long-standing class-action lawsuit filed by subscribers to the NFL’s “Sunday Ticket” package commenced in federal court Thursday, as plaintiffs allege the NFL violated antitrust laws. The case, initially filed in 2015, has withstood several legal challenges and is now being presented before a jury.
The plaintiffs argue that the NFL unlawfully conspired with DirecTV to exclusively offer the “Sunday Ticket” package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games broadcast on CBS and Fox. They claim this agreement inflated prices and stifled competition, making it difficult for fans to afford access to a wide range of games.
“NFL, Fox, CBS, and DirecTV agreed to make an expensive toll road that very few people would be able to afford. Every single competitor in this scheme benefited,” said Amanda Bonn, an attorney representing the “Sunday Ticket” subscribers, during her opening remarks.
Related: NFL Faces Antitrust Trial Over ‘Sunday Ticket’ Telecast in Los Angeles
In response, the NFL’s legal team emphasized the element of choice available to fans in accessing game broadcasts. Beth Wilkinson, representing the NFL, argued that the “Sunday Ticket” package is a premium product that offers additional value, beyond what is available through free broadcasts.
“The case is about choice. This is a valuable, premium product. Think about all the choices available to fans. We want as many people as possible to watch the free broadcasts,” Wilkinson told jurors.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the NFL and its broadcasting agreements, potentially reshaping how fans access and pay for game broadcasts in the future.