Claim Form Deadline: Ongoing
Estimated Payout: Varies
Overview of the $4.7 Billion NFL Class Action Settlement
In a landmark ruling, a Los Angeles jury found in favor of consumers in a class action antitrust lawsuit regarding the NFL Sunday Ticket package. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California approved a groundbreaking settlement that could compel the NFL to pay over $4.7 billion to individual fans via platforms like YouTube. Additionally, nearly $100 million will be allocated to bars that purchased NFL Sunday Tickets for broadcasting games.
Given that current federal antitrust laws allow for the total settlement amount to be tripled, the NFL Sunday Ticket case could ultimately result in more than $14.1 billion in total, marking a historic victory for fans, consumers, and businesses if this payout is realized.
Details of the NFL Sunday Ticket Lawsuit
Filed in 2015, the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit accused the NFL of violating antitrust laws through its pricing structure. The suit claimed that the NFL’s bundling of all games into one package forced fans and businesses to buy every game instead of allowing them to select only the games featuring their favorite teams.
Consumer Reactions and NFL’s Actions
Many fans and bar owners expressed relief following the verdict, as they had long felt burdened by the high costs of the all-inclusive package, which did not cater to those following just their local teams. The lawsuit highlighted widespread frustration among consumers who felt they were being overcharged without the option to choose.
During the trial, it was revealed that ESPN had proposed taking over the NFL Sunday Ticket from DirecTV, offering a more affordable service priced at $70 with options to purchase individual team packages. However, the NFL rejected this proposal in favor of a deal with YouTube TV, where the lowest price for an NFL Sunday Ticket starts at $349, contingent upon an existing YouTube TV subscription.
Potential Payouts from the Settlement
The jury’s decision could lead to significant compensation for affected parties. Approximately 2.4 million fans who purchased the Sunday Ticket may receive around $1,958 each, while about 48,000 businesses involved could get approximately $2,000 each. These amounts may fluctuate due to inflation and other factors.
Timeline for Claims
Despite this victory, payouts are not expected to be distributed immediately. The NFL is likely to file several post-trial motions by July 31 and plans to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. The case could even escalate to the Supreme Court, potentially delaying any payouts for months or even years.
Implications of the Appeal
The NFL’s intention to appeal is not unexpected, given the significant financial implications. The $4.8 billion payout represents about a quarter of the league’s revenue for 2023, a substantial hit even for the most profitable professional sports league in the world. Fans and bar owners should prepare for a potentially lengthy legal battle before receiving any awarded compensation.
While this ruling is a win for consumers, it also highlights the complexities of antitrust laws in sports broadcasting and the power dynamics between major leagues and their fan bases. The outcome of the NFL’s appeal will be closely monitored, as it could set a precedent for future cases involving sports packages and consumer rights.
Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.