Google Faces Federal Lawsuit Over NFL Sunday Ticket Exclusive Broadcast Deal

Alphabet Inc.’s technology conglomerate, Google, is finding itself entangled in a federal lawsuit following its recent deal with the NFL for exclusive broadcast rights to the coveted “NFL Sunday Ticket.” The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. federal court in California, has been brought forward by a legal representative acting on behalf of both residential and commercial subscribers of Sunday Ticket.

This development comes after YouTube TV, a subsidiary of Google, secured the rights to Sunday Ticket, a broadcast package previously held by DirecTV. The litigation alleges that Google’s involvement in the deal has raised concerns about potential antitrust violations and unfair business practices.

In this ongoing antitrust litigation, set for trial in early 2024, Google is not directly named as a party. However, the plaintiffs’ legal team asserts that Google is withholding crucial information that could serve as evidence in the case against both the NFL and DirecTV. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs have sought a court order compelling Google to respond to a request for information.

The heart of the matter lies in the plaintiffs’ claim for damages amounting to a staggering $6 billion. They argue that the NFL, its teams, and DirecTV orchestrated efforts to limit the availability of televised football games while simultaneously inflating the price of Sunday Ticket, a premium offering that grants subscribers access to out-of-market NFL games.

The plaintiffs are eager to scrutinize Google’s involvement in this deal, particularly seeking insights into retail pricing and subscriber figures. The NFL, on its part, has dismissed the allegations surrounding pricing, asserting that their exclusive distribution arrangement was “presumptively legal.”

While Google’s exclusive broadcast rights deal for Sunday Ticket extends through 2030, the plaintiffs’ legal representatives are pressing for greater transparency. Google has reportedly agreed to furnish three documents related to its deal with the NFL for Sunday Ticket, but plaintiffs’ attorneys contend that this information barely scratches the surface of the relevant data required for the litigation.

The exclusive streaming rights via YouTube TV for Sunday Ticket are expected to go into effect in September, allowing subscribers to stream out-of-market NFL games. As the legal battle unfolds, the focus remains on whether Google’s involvement will provide the insights needed to support the plaintiffs’ claims against the NFL and DirecTV. The case shines a spotlight on the intersection of technology, media rights, and antitrust concerns, shaping the landscape for the future of sports broadcasting.