The NFL faces a hefty $4.7 billion penalty imposed by a federal jury for breaching antitrust laws by distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games through a premium subscription service. The lawsuit implicated the NFL in inflating prices and limiting competition by offering the “Sunday Ticket” package exclusively on DirecTV from 2011 to 2022. Residential subscribers were awarded $4.6 billion in damages, while commercial entities were granted nearly $97 million.
Given federal antitrust laws, the NFL’s penalty could potentially triple to over $14 billion. Each of the 32 NFL teams might owe approximately $441.3 million. Post-trial motions are scheduled for July 31, with the NFL intending to appeal. Payment and any subscription service changes will be on hold until the appeals process is complete.
The jury had requested subscriber data and cost information for the “Sunday Ticket” during deliberations, although economic reports presented by both sides were not admitted as evidence. The appeal process could eventually reach the Supreme Court, meaning significant changes or payments are postponed pending the final verdict.
