Roger Goodell: NFL to Challenge Sunday Ticket Ruling; Open to Private Equity Ownership

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL are gearing up for a legal battle concerning the league’s Sunday Ticket plan, which could potentially lead to damages exceeding $14 billion. Goodell emphasized the NFL’s intention to pursue further litigation following a class-action verdict from a Los Angeles jury. The verdict ordered the NFL to pay $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and an additional $96 million to the commercial class. The jury sided against the league, citing allegations that the NFL violated antitrust laws by offering out-of-market Sunday afternoon games through the “Sunday Ticket” subscription. According to federal antitrust laws, damages could triple, resulting in a potential cost of $14.39 billion to the NFL. Goodell expressed disagreement with the jury’s verdict but affirmed the league’s commitment to defending its position and policies, particularly with regards to media rights. In an interview with CNBC, Goodell stated, “We make our sport available to the broadest possible audience. Sunday Ticket is just a complementary product. We’re committed to following the litigation all the way and making sure that we get this right.” When asked about the NBA’s recent media rights deal, Goodell acknowledged the potential for increased revenue but emphasized the NFL’s strong partnerships with its networks. Goodell also hinted at the possibility of private equity ownership in the NFL’s 32 franchises, stating that allowing limited private equity ownership, possibly up to 10% of a team, could be beneficial for the league. Goodell’s comments come at a time of significant upheaval in the sports industry, including controversies such as the PGA-LIV Golf incident and financing from entities like Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Despite these challenges, Goodell remains optimistic about the NFL’s future prospects. –Field Level Media