Appeals Court Reinstates NFL Antitrust Verdict
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a decision that had tossed out a $4.7 billion jury verdict.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Football
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Should professional sports leagues face antitrust liability for how they price broadcasting packages?
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated an antitrust jury verdict against the National Football League. The move reverses a lower court ruling that previously overturned a $4.7 billion damages award.
Why it matters
The ruling revives a significant legal challenge regarding allegations that the NFL overcharged subscribers for Sunday Ticket telecasts for over a decade. It marks a critical turn in the long-running antitrust litigation.
A jury in 2024 originally awarded $4.7 billion in damages following findings that the league overcharged subscribers. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has now mandated a new trial specifically focused on the issue of damages.
The players
National Football League
The professional American football organization currently facing an antitrust lawsuit regarding its broadcast pricing.
9th US Circuit Court of Appeals
The federal appellate court based in San Francisco that issued the ruling reinstating the verdict.
The details
The lawsuit contends that the league engaged in anti-competitive behavior regarding its Sunday Ticket broadcasting service. While the appellate court reinstated the core liability verdict, it simultaneously granted the NFL a new trial regarding the financial damages involved.
Timeline
The initial trial took place in 2024.
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling on October 30, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This appellate decision forces the league to return to court, extending a legal battle that has loomed over the 2024 season and beyond. The shift impacts the league's long-term broadcast strategy and could influence how future television rights deals are structured.
The reinstatement of the verdict signals that the NFL remains exposed to potential multi-billion dollar damages in the Sunday Ticket case. The upcoming trial on damages will determine the final financial penalty the league must pay for its broadcast pricing model.
The takeaway
The appellate ruling serves as a stark reminder of the legal risks surrounding exclusive broadcast packages in professional sports. Readers should continue to monitor how damages are calculated in the new trial to understand the potential impact on future ticket and subscription costs.
Further reading
For more on ongoing legal challenges involving the league, visit the Football section.
Live Poll
Should professional sports leagues face antitrust liability for how they price broadcasting packages?
