NFL Navigates Legal Challenges with New Top Lawyer Ted Ullyot
Leadership Shift Amid Booming Business
The NFL has appointed Ted Ullyot—former Facebook General Counsel (2010-2013) and Republican political operative—as its new general counsel, succeeding Jeff Pash. The move comes as the league grapples with persistent legal hurdles despite its financial success. Patriots owner Robert Kraft emphasized the NFL’s vulnerability as a “target” for antitrust lawsuits, underscoring the need for proactive legal strategies.
Antitrust Battles Loom Large
A major antitrust ruling against the NFL’s Sunday Ticket package last summer—though later vacated—highlighted ongoing risks. The case, which accused the league of inflating prices through exclusive distribution deals, remains a concern. Kraft warned that collaborative efforts among the 32 franchises could face increased scrutiny, as antitrust laws challenge their unified business model.
Streaming and Regulatory Gaps
The rise of streaming platforms complicates the NFL’s legal landscape. The 1960 Sports Broadcasting Act, which exempts broadcast agreements from antitrust claims, does not cover digital distribution. Ullyot, a former Republican operative endorsed by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, may lobby to modernize this framework. Potential reforms include lifting the 65-year ban on Friday and Saturday broadcasts during the NFL season.
Ullyot’s Dual Mandate
Ullyot’s role will balance defense and offense: shielding the league from litigation while advocating regulatory updates. His political connections and experience navigating complex tech regulations at Facebook1 could prove critical in reshaping outdated exemptions.
A Fragile Alliance
Despite its unified front, the NFL’s structure—32 teams operating as independent entities—remains a legal liability. As streaming and antitrust pressures mount, Ullyot’s leadership, honed in high-stakes corporate environments like Facebook, will test the league’s ability to protect its collaborative model in an evolving legal arena.
1 Ullyot oversaw legal strategy during Facebook’s critical growth phase, including regulatory and antitrust challenges.
