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Ninth Circuit reinstates NFL antitrust liability, orders new damages trial

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Ninth Circuit reinstated jury’s finding that the NFL violated antitrust law, reversing the district court’s 2024 overturn.
Appeals court ordered a new trial on damages, requiring recomputation of the $4.7 billion award.
Judges said the lower court abused discretion by excluding subscribers’ expert testimony on antitrust injury.
NFL announced disappointment and will pursue further appellate review, potentially before the Supreme Court.

History

In 1970 the Department of Justice’s United States v. NFL case forced the league to pay a $3 million settlement and adopt antitrust-compliant broadcast rules after the AFL-NFL merger announced on June 8 1966. The Ninth Circuit’s 2024 revival of the league’s antitrust liability, ordering a new calculation of the $4.7 billion damages award, echoes that precedent and could reach the Supreme Court.

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In 1970 the Department of Justice’s United States v. NFL case forced the league to pay a $3 million settlement and adopt antitrust-compliant broadcast rules after the AFL-NFL merger announced on June 8 1966. The Ninth Circuit’s 2024 revival of the league’s antitrust liability, ordering a new calculation of the $4.7 billion damages award, echoes that precedent and could reach the Supreme Court.

1 / 2