NFL+ Faces Class-Action Lawsuit over Sunday Ticket

NFL+ Faces Class-Action Lawsuit over Sunday Ticket NFL+, the streaming service launched by the National Football League (NFL), is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that its exclusive distribution rights to Sunday Ticket violate antitrust laws. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, alleges that the NFL’s exclusive deal with DirecTV for Sunday Ticket, which allows fans to watch out-of-market NFL games, has created a monopoly that has suppressed competition and kept prices artificially high. According to the complaint, NFL+ is required to pay DirecTV a large annual fee to obtain the rights to Sunday Ticket, which results in higher prices for consumers. The lawsuit alleges that this exclusive deal has prevented other streaming services from entering the market and offering competitive prices. The lawsuit also alleges that NFL+ has engaged in anticompetitive practices, such as limiting the availability of Sunday Ticket to specific devices and locations, and restricting fans from purchasing individual games outside of a full season subscription. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are seeking damages on behalf of all consumers who have purchased Sunday Ticket through NFL+. They are also requesting an injunction to prevent the NFL from continuing its exclusive deal with DirecTV. NFL+ has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, in a recent statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the league is “committed to providing fans with the best possible experience” and that it will “continue to explore ways to enhance the value of Sunday Ticket for our fans.” The lawsuit comes at a time when the NFL is facing increasing pressure to make Sunday Ticket available on more streaming platforms. With the rise of cord-cutting and the growing popularity of streaming services, fans are increasingly demanding more flexibility in how they watch live sports. It remains to be seen how the NFL will respond to the lawsuit and whether it will be forced to change its exclusive deal with DirecTV. However, the lawsuit is a reminder of the challenges facing the NFL as it tries to navigate the changing media landscape.NFL Sunday Ticket Class Action LawsuitNFL Sunday Ticket Class Action Lawsuit A class action lawsuit has been filed against the National Football League (NFL) by subscribers of the Sunday Ticket package. Subscribers allege that the league violated antitrust laws by: * Selling off-market Sunday afternoon games at a high price * Limiting competition by offering the package only through satellite providers Arguments The NFL argues that they have the right to sell Sunday Ticket under the broadcast antitrust exemption. However, plaintiffs argue that this exemption only applies to over-the-air broadcasts, not pay-TV. Case Details * The case began in 2015 and includes over 2.4 million retail and 48,000 business subscribers who purchased NFL Sunday Ticket between 2011 and 2023. * If the NFL is found liable, it could face up to $7 billion in damages, which could potentially triple to $21 billion due to antitrust laws. Implications * The outcome of this lawsuit could impact other sports leagues that offer out-of-market packages. * Teams may consider selling their streaming rights separately, potentially changing the distribution of sports broadcast revenue.A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the NFL over its exclusive Sunday Ticket package. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, alleges that the NFL’s exclusive deal with DirecTV, which gives DirecTV the sole right to broadcast Sunday Ticket games, violates antitrust law. The lawsuit is being brought on behalf of a group of football fans who allege that they have been forced to pay inflated prices for Sunday Ticket because of the NFL’s exclusive deal with DirecTV. The lawsuit alleges that the NFL’s exclusive deal with DirecTV has created a monopoly in the market for Sunday Ticket, and that the NFL has used its monopoly power to charge inflated prices for the package. The lawsuit seeks to break up the NFL’s exclusive deal with DirecTV and to allow other companies to compete for the rights to broadcast Sunday Ticket games. The lawsuit also seeks damages for the fans who have been forced to pay inflated prices for Sunday Ticket. The NFL has not yet commented on the lawsuit.