The jury in the Sunday Ticket trial has completed its first day of deliberations and has gone home for the night. They are set to resume on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. PT. In civil cases, a quick verdict typically benefits the defense, as the longer the jury deliberates, the more likely it is for the plaintiff to win. Unlike criminal trials, civil cases involve determining if the defendant violated legal standards, followed by calculating damages, which can take more time.
Today, the jury did not deliberate much as Wednesday consisted of jury instructions and closing arguments from both sides. The first full day of deliberations will be on Thursday, with the possibility of continuing into Friday. Additionally, the judge may still rule in favor of the NFL even if the plaintiffs secure a large verdict in their favor.
The class action lawsuit involves over 2.4 million consumers attacking the NFL’s pricing methodology for Sunday Ticket as an antitrust violation. The plaintiffs argue that the league’s pricing strategy forces overcharging for the package and limits options for consumers. Regardless of the trial’s outcome, the information revealed could lead the league to consider offering more options for consumers, which would benefit all consumers.