NFL Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Sunday Ticket Antitrust Claims

The NFL is facing a class-action lawsuit over its 'Sunday Ticket' package, with subscribers accusing the league of violating antitrust laws by inflating prices and restricting competition by offering the package exclusively through certain providers. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones testified in defense of the current model but took a shot at the Cincinnati Bengals, suggesting his team would earn more if rights were sold individually. The lawsuit, which includes 2.4 million subscribers and 48,000 businesses, could result in up to $21 billion in damages if the NFL loses. The league argues it has the right to sell the package under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting, while the plaintiffs contend this exemption should only cover over-the-air broadcasts. The case, originally dismissed, was reinstated by an appeals court and given class-action status last year.