Appeals court reinstates $4.7B ‘Sunday Ticket’ class action verdict against NFL

A US federal appeals court has reinstated an antitrust jury verdict against the NFL concerning inflated Sunday Ticket telecast prices. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a 2024 ruling by US District Judge Philip Gutierrez, who had previously vacated the $4.7 billion award. The lawsuit accused the league of overcharging subscribers for more than a decade to protect broadcast distribution rights.

While reinstating the liability verdict, the appeals court ruled that the NFL can receive a new trial on damages. The panel determined the initial damages were based on improper evidence consideration. In response, the NFL expressed disappointment and confirmed it is considering further legal options.