US appeals court upholds NFL antitrust verdict over Sunday Ticket pricing

A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Friday upheld the core antitrust verdict against the NFL, finding that the league had indeed engaged in illegal practices related to its premium Sunday Ticket game package. The jury had determined that the NFL's pricing and distribution strategies for the service, which offers out-of-market American football games, constituted an antitrust violation.

The appellate court's decision to reinstate the verdict represents a significant setback for the league, though it did not specify the full extent of the damage awarded by the lower court. The reinstatement confirms that jurors were correct in finding that the NFL had abused its market position in ways that harmed consumers who subscribed to the service.

However, the appeals court determined that while the NFL's conduct was unlawful, the original damages calculation may require reconsideration. The court has ordered that a new trial be held to determine appropriate compensation for affected subscribers, meaning the total financial liability to the league remains uncertain at this stage.

The case represents one of the most significant antitrust challenges facing the professional sports league in recent years. The NFL has not immediately indicated whether it intends to appeal the decision further or seek settlement discussions.