On Thursday, the jury in the Sunday Ticket trial will resume its deliberations at 9:00 a.m. PT after finishing its first day of discussions. In civil cases, a quick verdict is often favorable for the defense, but a prolonged deliberation could suggest a possible win for the plaintiff. It is not just about guilt or innocence in civil cases; the jury must first determine if the defendant violated legal standards before proceeding to calculate damages. This process takes more time in civil cases than criminal trials.
The class action lawsuit involves over 2.4 million consumers and challenges the NFL’s pricing strategy for Sunday Ticket as an antitrust violation. The plaintiffs argue that the NFL forces its Sunday Ticket partner to overcharge for the package and restricts a single-team option to encourage viewers to watch games on CBS and/or Fox in their local areas. The trial has shed light on information that could prompt the NFL to offer more options to consumers, resulting in a victory for all consumers. The judge has the authority to enter judgment for the NFL even if the plaintiffs receive a substantial verdict on Thursday, when the jury will continue its discussions possibly until Friday.
