Despite the NFL’s immense popularity in the United States, it remains susceptible to legal challenges. Last summer, the league faced a significant legal setback in a class-action lawsuit for corruption, which violated antitrust laws related to its Sunday Ticket service. A United States District Court jury initially ordered the NFL to pay $4.7 billion in damages; however, the judge ultimately dismissed the case, stating that, according to Reuters, “there were too many defects in the case for it to proceed at all.” Now, as the appeal looms, the NFL is once again contending with the case.
According to Pro Football Talk, the plaintiffs have resubmitted their initial brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, now including a new formula for calculating damages. The government has previously expressed support for the litigation, asserting, “The NFL’s illegal acts are continuing,” although this was before the recent change in administration with Donald Trump returning to office.
Fans have taken to social media to express their reactions to the developments in the case. “I remember when I thought the NFL was going to owe me five grand or so. That was a fun three seconds,” one fan quipped on Twitter. Another supporter remarked, “Any game played in a government-subsidized venue should be broadcast to all citizens regardless of where they live. Taxpayers are paying; we should all get equal access to broadcasts.” Conversely, another fan commented, “Give it up. If it’s too expensive, don’t buy it.” It will be intriguing to see how this case unfolds and whether it ultimately reaches the Supreme Court.
