The NFL finds itself in a game-changing situation, with Jerry Jones potentially poised to capitalize on a monumental legal outcome.
In a stunning verdict, a federal jury has dealt a 4 billion-dollar blow to the league in the Sunday Ticket antitrust trial-an amount that could balloon to an unprecedented 12 billion-dollar under federal antitrust laws.
The legal drama unfolded as disgruntled subscribers accused the NFL of running an unfair play with its Sunday Ticket package.
Critics argued that the league’s strategy forced fans into buying the entire slate of games when they just wanted access to watch their favorite team-an approach likened to being required to purchase every jersey in a team store just to snag a Dallas Cowboys cap.
Could be a game-changer for the Cowboys
For Jones and the Dallas Cowboys, this verdict holds potentially game-changing implications. If upheld, industry experts suggest it could herald a new era in NFL broadcasting rights, paving the way for more flexible, single-team viewing options.
Analysts speculate that franchises with massive followings, such as the Cowboys, could see substantial benefits, capitalizing on their robust viewership to drive significant financial gains.
“The #NFL has been ordered to pay 96 million in commercial class damages & 4 BILLION in residential class damages per today’s guilty verdict in the Sunday Ticket antitrust trial,” Spotrac reported. “By federal antitrust law, that 4 billion becomes 12 billion in actuality.”
With the Cowboys wielding considerable influence in TV ratings and fan engagement, they stand to gain significantly from any shift towards more tailored viewing options.
However, the NFL is unlikely to yield easily and a fierce legal contest is anticipated as the league prepares to challenge the verdict.