The Ninth Circuit reinstated the NFL's Sunday Ticket antitrust verdict
The Ninth Circuit reinstated a 2024 jury verdict finding the NFL liable for antitrust violations over its Sunday Ticket package, but ordered a new trial to determine damages. The appeals court said the trial judge erred in throwing out the liability verdict, while upholding his decision to set aside the $4.7 billion damages calculation. The NFL said it was disappointed.
More context
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals restored the jury's finding that the NFL violated antitrust law in connection with Sunday Ticket and sent the damages question back for a new trial. The three-judge panel ruled that U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez exceeded his authority when he excluded testimony from two experts for subscribers and set aside the verdict. Circuit Court Judge Anthony D. Johnstone wrote that expert opinions are not unreliable merely because they can be challenged; jurors should weigh them. The panel nevertheless agreed the jury’s damages calculation was not adequately supported and must be retried. In 2024, the jury awarded about $4.7 billion to residential and commercial subscribers. The lawsuit alleges the NFL and its partners inflated prices and restricted competition for the out-of-market package. The league expressed disappointment and said it would consider further appellate review.
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Reporting
- The Washington Times — Appellate court revives ‘Sunday Ticket’ antitrust verdict against the NFL
- La Voce di New York — Court Revives Sunday Ticket Antitrust Ruling Against NFL – La Voce di New York
- The New York Times — NFL faces new trial over ‘Sunday Ticket’ damages after court reinstates verdict against league - The Athletic
- New York Post — Appeals court reinstates $4.7B 'Sunday Ticket' class action verdict against NFL
- Bloomberg — NFL Faces New Antitrust Damages Fight in Sunday Ticket Case - Bloomberg
- wnep.com — Federal appeals court reinstates 'NFL Sunday Ticket' class-action lawsuit verdict, orders new trial
- dailyjournal.com — 9th Circuit revives NFL Sunday Ticket antitrust verdict, orders new damages trial
Verifier’s note
The Washington Times, La Voce di New York, WNEP, Daily Journal, The Athletic, the New York Post, and Bloomberg report that the Ninth Circuit reinstated the jury’s antitrust liability verdict against the NFL over Sunday Ticket, with a new trial on damages. Their reports are consistent on the central claim and describe a development reported on October 30–31, 2026.