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The Wolf Sports Newsletter: July 2, 2024


It’s NFL training camp month! There isn’t a ton of NFL news this time of year, but a big court case is a headliner from last week.

 

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NFL loses Sunday Ticket lawsuit

 

Following a three-week trial, the NFL was found guilty of breaking antitrust laws with NFL Sunday Ticket, as a Los Angeles court awarded residential subscribers $4.7 billion and businesses (e.g., sports bars) $96 million. The near-$5-billion number can potentially triple to more than $14 billion under antitrust laws. However, the NFL is appealing the decision.

 

  • The antitrust case stems from the argument that fans of a particular team cannot watch their favorite team if they do not live locally—unless they pay hundreds of dollars per year for Sunday Ticket, which is the only way a fan can watch their favorite team if not local (where it’s free and over-the-air).
  • Sunday Ticket is now on YouTube TV, but the case concerns the time period from 2011-2023, when Sunday Ticket was on DirecTV. However, DirecTV and Alphabet (YouTube TV, which had Sunday Ticket rights starting in 2023) were not on trial.
  • The $4.7 billion is less than the plaintiffs asked for in damages, but the decision was still seen as a major loss for the NFL.
  • The NFL has asked U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez to rule in favor of the league to overturn the jury’s decision.
  • If Judge Gutierrez rules against the league, they can appeal to the U.S. Circuit of Appeals.

 

Bottom line: This is far from over and may end up in the Supreme Court. Ultimately, many believe team packages could be made available following this case—for example, an Eagles fan living in California can buy a cheaper individualized package to be able to watch all Eagles games.

 

NFL news and notes

 

After meeting with the 49ers, receiver Brandon Ayiuk told TMZ that he “for sure” wants to remain with San Francisco.

 

“Painted nails.” Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons told Rich Eisen that he can’t wait to trash talk No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams in Week 1 when facing the Bears.

 

 

  • Williams is known to march to the beat of his own drum, and his personality includes occasional painting of nails.
  • Notably, while in college, Williams would paint “F*** [opponent]” on his nails.
  • We’ll see if that continues in the NFL, but the confident quarterback seems to already have a bit of a target on his back—which is probably to be expected for the top overall pick anyway.

 

The Eagles will wear their Kelly Green uniforms in Week 9 (Jaguars) and Week 17 (Cowboys) this season.

 

 

The Jaguars’ “Stadium of the Future” deal of $1.4 billion in renovations to EverBank Stadium was approved by the Jacksonville City Council.

 

 

The full league calendar for the 2024-2025 NFL season has been released.

 

 

The NFL and Wilson continued their partnership to keep Wilson as the official game ball of the league, which has been the case since 1941.

 

Veteran receiver Randall Cobb’s garage caught on fire, and he and his family said they are “lucky to be alive” in an Instagram post.

 

The Chiefs and Hallmark are teaming up for a Christmas movie, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.

 

Former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell has been fired from his assistant coaching role at his high school alma mater and is facing a lawsuit over a $74,000 check that was meant as a donation to the football program.

 

Other Sports Updates

 

In a jam-packed week for the NHL:

 

 

The Yankees’ Aaron Judge and the Phillies’ Bryce Harper (who recently injured his hamstring and hit the IL) secured starting spots in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game as the leading vote getters in each league.

 

 

The Home Run Derby has a new format, and Orioles star Gunnar Henderson revealed on Sunday Night Baseball that he’s participating.

 

 

The USMNT was eliminated from the group stage of Copa America.

 

EA unveiled the top teams in College Football 25, which releases this month.

 

https://twitter.com/EASPORTSCollege/status/1806704117416415563

 

Legendary broadcaster Al Michaels’ voice will be used via AI for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

 

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