In a surprising turn of events, Judge Philip Gutierrez has dismissed the Sunday Ticket verdict, leaving the plaintiffs with no choice but to appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. However, the outcome of the appeal remains uncertain as it is dependent on a three-judge panel that has yet to be assigned.

With the Ninth Circuit currently boasting 29 judges, the selection of these three judges will heavily influence the final ruling. The composition of the panel will determine whether Gutierrez's decision is upheld or overturned, making it impossible to predict the outcome at this stage.

It is worth noting that different judges may have varying inclinations towards the case. Some may lean towards supporting Gutierrez's decision, while others may be more inclined to overturn it. Previous judgments by the judges, often influenced by the party of the president who appointed them, may provide some insight into their tendencies.

Of the 29 active circuit judges in the Ninth Circuit, the split is 16-13 in favor of Democrats. Among the 23 senior-status judges, the split stands at 14-9 in favor of the same party. These numbers highlight the potential impact of political affiliation on the upcoming appeal.

The process of resolving the appeal is estimated to take around a year or more. There are several possible outcomes that could emerge from the proceedings. The case may be sent back for a new trial on damages, potentially reinstating the original $4.7 billion verdict. Alternatively, the judge's decision to dismiss the case could be upheld.

Interestingly, this is not the first time the Ninth Circuit has overturned a decision to dismiss the case. In a prior instance, the court allowed the litigation to proceed despite the initial attempt to throw it out.

It is important to note that even after the appeal is resolved, the losing party is likely to seek a rehearing or a decision from the full court. Ultimately, there may even be a petition to the Supreme Court before a final resolution is reached.

As the plaintiffs gear up to challenge Gutierrez's ruling and await the assignment of the three-judge panel, the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the Sunday Ticket verdict looms large. Only time will tell how this legal battle will unfold and whether the $4.7 billion judgment will stand or be overturned.