In a jury verdict reported by ESPN on Thursday, it was determined that the NFL had violated antitrust laws by selling its Sunday Ticket package "at an inflated price" on DirecTV.

According to the report, the jury awarded a staggering $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class. With the potential for damages to be tripled under federal antitrust laws, the NFL may end up being liable for a total of $14.39 billion.

This means that each of the 32 NFL teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, would be billed approximately $449.6 million to cover their share of the potential due payment. Such a financial blow could have significant implications for the team's operations and long-term financial stability.

In response to the verdict, the NFL expressed disappointment and plans to contest the decision, believing the class action claims to be baseless and without merit. The league emphasized its media distribution strategy, which includes broadcasting all NFL games on free over-the-air television in the markets of participating teams and national distribution of popular games through platforms like RedZone, Sunday Ticket, and NFL+.

The NFL's media distribution model aims to provide fans with extensive choices and accessibility, positioning itself as the most fan-friendly distribution model in the world of sports and entertainment. The league expressed gratitude to the jury for their time and service, as well as the guidance from Judge Philip Gutierrez throughout the trial.

The potential financial ramifications for the Las Vegas Raiders and other NFL teams underscore the significance of the Sunday Ticket lawsuit and its impact on the league as a whole. As the legal battle continues, the teams involved will closely monitor developments and seek recourse to mitigate the potential financial burden they may face.

This unexpected turn of events serves as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges that professional sports leagues face in legal matters, and it highlights the importance of maintaining compliance with antitrust regulations to avoid costly consequences.

As the Las Vegas Raiders and the rest of the NFL await further legal proceedings, the future financial landscape for the league remains uncertain, with the potential for significant financial strain on all teams involved.