Federal Judge Rules In Favor Of National Football League

NFL Verdict Overthrown: $47 Billion Lawsuit Dismissed

Federal Judge Rules in Favor of National Football League

Jury Verdict Overturned in Sunday Ticket Case

A federal judge has overturned a $47 billion jury verdict against the National Football League, ruling that the punitive damages were excessive and based on speculation.

The verdict, which was issued in June 2023, found the NFL liable for violating antitrust laws in the sale of its NFL Sunday Ticket package. The plaintiffs, a group of businesses and consumers, alleged that the NFL's exclusive rights to broadcast NFL games on Sunday afternoon gave it a monopoly over the market.

In her ruling, Judge Alison Nathan wrote that the jury's damages award was "grossly excessive" and "not supported by the evidence." She also found that the jury's finding of antitrust violations was "based on speculation and conjecture."

The NFL has hailed the ruling as a victory, saying that it confirms that the league's business practices are fair and legal.

"We are pleased with the court's decision," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We believe that our NFL Sunday Ticket package is a valuable product for our fans and that we have always competed fairly in the marketplace."

The plaintiffs in the case have vowed to appeal the ruling. They argue that the judge erred in her interpretation of the law and that the jury's verdict was based on overwhelming evidence.

Conclusion

The overturning of the $47 billion verdict against the NFL is a significant setback for the plaintiffs in the case. However, it is not the end of the legal battle. The plaintiffs have vowed to appeal the ruling, and it is likely that the case will continue to be litigated for years to come.