US Supreme Court rejects NFL appeal against antitrust lawsuit


US Supreme Court rejects NFL appeal against antitrust lawsuit

The US Supreme Court has refused an NFL and AT&T Inc’s DirecTV appeal which called for the court to overrule a lower court decision to revive a lawsuit that accuses them of overcharging for a satellite television package, meaning the lawsuit can move forward.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Sunday Ticket subscribers which costs $294 a season and allows subscribers to watch games that are not broadcast on their local television stations. The lower court’s ruling means that the lawsuit can move forward through the courts but could also settle so that individuals are partially reimbursed.

Several lawsuits were filed in 2015 on behalf of DirecTV customers arguing that the exclusive rights between themselves and the NFL were in breach of antitrust laws by eliminating access to the market. Los Angeles District Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell dismissed the claims in 2017 stating that it had not been established that the NFL and DirecTV agreement eliminated competition as DirecTV was required to renegotiate every few years, giving competitors the chance to compete for the rights.

The San Francisco-based US 9th circuit court of appeals ruled that it had been established that without the agreement between the NFL  and DirecTV there would a stronger market for broadcasts and there would be more games available to the public on television. With the Supreme Court rejecting the NFL appeal the lawsuit can be heard or settled depending on the parties’ position.

You may also like

View All

The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom appointed as the new President of the National Safeguarding Panel

We are delighted to announce the appointment of The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom as President of the National Safeguarding Panel. A long-standing panel member, Sir Gary brings extensive expertise to support the NSP’s work in complex safeguarding cases across sport

Read More

Macron against wearing hijabs in sport

French president Emmanuel Macron has voiced that he opposes Muslim women wearing hijabs whilst competing in sport, instigating discussions among lawmakers, social leaders and governing bodies

Read More

Job Opportunity | Case Manager - National

Sport Resolutions has an exciting opportunity for an individual to join its passionate and experienced National Case Management Team to assist with the administration of domestic matters including football disciplinary procedures, Olympic and Paralympic disputes, and anti-doping rule violations 

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: