Class Action Lawsuit Against NHL, MLB Over TV Blackout Policies Can Proceed

Sports fans who sued baseball and hockey leagues for limiting access to live games through exclusive contracts and regional blackouts will be able to make their case in a class action.

US District Court of New York Judge Shira Scheindlin yesterday granted the fans’ request for class-action certification, allowing them to continue their case collectively instead of as individuals. In addition to the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner’s office, defendants include Comcast, DirecTV, and several teams.