Payam Javan: A California judge has overturned a $4.7 billion verdict against the NFL in a lawsuit alleging overcharging for the “Sunday Ticket” game broadcasts over the past decade. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez, based in Los Angeles, followed the NFL’s claims that the verdict was based on flawed evidence and an overly zealous jury.

Judge Gutierrez’s 16-page order criticized the evidence presented by the plaintiffs, stating that key witness testimonies were dismissed and the jury’s damages award lacked substantial support. The judge found too many defects in the case to proceed, emphasizing that the plaintiffs failed to show reasonable evidence of injury or actual damages.

The NFL welcomed the ruling, asserting that its media distribution model offers fans ample options. Although the verdict can be appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the NFL remains confident in its stance. The original jury verdict, awarded on June 27, had accused the NFL of inflating prices by limiting the availability of “Sunday Ticket,” but the damages award, which could have been tripled under antitrust law, has now been nullified.