NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell testified in federal court defending the "Sunday Ticket" package as a premium product known for its quality and higher pricing.
Goodell emphasized that fans had the choice to purchase "Sunday Ticket," acknowledging that some found it too expensive.
This lawsuit is a class-action covering 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who bought the package from 2011 to 2022.
Plaintiffs allege the NFL violated antitrust laws by inflating prices for "Sunday Ticket" and limiting competition by offering it exclusively through a satellite provider.
The NFL argues it has the right to sell "Sunday Ticket" under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting, though plaintiffs contest this, claiming it only applies to over-the-air broadcasts.
Potential damages from the lawsuit could range from $7 billion to $21 billion if the NFL is found liable, due to antitrust laws allowing for triple damages.
Testimony and exhibits presented in court revealed concerns from networks like Fox and CBS about how a more widely available "Sunday Ticket" could impact local game ratings.
Goodell explained that DirecTV was chosen to distribute "Sunday Ticket" due to its national reach, contrasting with the fragmented distribution of cable companies.