Court Sides With the NFL Again in $14 Billion Sunday Ticket Lawsuit

With football season right around the corner, the high-profile, $14 billion NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit that played out over the summer continues to take twists and turns in court.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Philip Gutierrez made a final judgment in favor of the NFL on all accounts, and the plaintiffs are now expected to file a motion to reconsider ahead of taking the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, a step below the Supreme Court. 

Gutierrez, on Aug. 1, had overturned a jury verdict ordering the NFL to pay $4.7 billion, which would have been tripled under antitrust law. On Monday, the plaintiffs filed an objection to the NFL’s proposed order that asked Gutierrez to terminate claims for injunctive relief. 

In simpler terms, the league didn’t want to have to make changes to how it distributes NFL Sunday Ticket, in addition to not paying out any damages. But the plaintiffs were arguing that the NFL should have to make some operational changes, even if it doesn’t pay damages. Gutierrez, who is retiring in October, has once again sided with the NFL.

Money Game

Google, which is not part of the controversial lawsuit, is entering its second season with NFL Sunday Ticket rights, at a cost of $2 billion annually.

YouTube and YouTube TV, both owned by Google, are offering more customizable multiview streaming options this season, which figures to be a popular addition among subscribers. 

The base price of Sunday Ticket increased by $30 this month, up to $379 for YouTube TV subscribers, and $479 for the à la carte option. Sunday Ticket subscriptions are also now available to purchase via the Apple App Store—but at a higher rate of $680. Apple takes a 30% cut of purchases made through its app store. 

Apple users can still choose to purchase a Sunday Ticket subscription with a Google account for the cheaper price and use the same YouTube or YouTube TV app on their Apple devices.