In a blow to out-of-market Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the NFL has rejected a proposal by ESPN to offer team-specific packages for Sunday Ticket. The league's decision means that fans wishing to watch only their favorite team's games would have to purchase the more expensive league-wide plan, including games they have no interest in.

According to a Bloomberg article, the league did not like ESPN's proposal to sell single-team packages at a reduced price of $70 for the full season. These details emerged from an ongoing lawsuit against the NFL regarding its Sunday Ticket package, which recently went to trial after nearly a decade of legal proceedings.

Traditionally, Sunday Ticket was offered through a partnership with DirectTV but moved to Google/YouTube last year, increasing accessibility for many fans. However, this transition left those in rural areas with weak internet connections unable to enjoy the service.

A team-based package would have been an ideal solution for fans and their wallets, but the league's rejection appears intentional, pushing fans to pay the full amount for the complete Sunday Ticket experience. Last year, the package cost a staggering $449, making it inaccessible to fans seeking a more affordable option.

New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, reportedly admitted during the trial that the league aims to keep Sunday Ticket as a premium offering, unwilling to cater to fans in need of a cheaper alternative.

Faced with mounting pressure, the NFL has been actively seeking new partnerships to further boost its profits. Collaborations with Amazon, NBC/Peacock, and most recently, Netflix, have allowed for exclusive game broadcasts. While these partnerships expand the NFL's reach, they also raise questions about the accessibility and affordability of watching games for all fans.

If the NFL loses the ongoing lawsuit, it could be forced to pay out a staggering sum of upwards of $21 billion, which would undoubtedly have significant financial implications for the league.

As the trial continues, fans eagerly await the outcome, hoping for a resolution that addresses their concerns and provides more affordable options to enjoy their favorite teams' games.