The case included claims of conspiracy to restrain trade and monopolization of both Division I and Division II professional soccer markets. However, MLS and U.S. Soccer consistently argued that NASL failed to present sufficient evidence of a conspiracy or unlawful agreement.
Last week, the defendants petitioned U.S. District Judge Hector Gonzalez to grant them a judgment as a matter of law, citing a lack of evidence supporting NASL’s claims. Although the judge initially reserved his ruling, he officially terminated the motion following the jury’s verdict.
NASL Considers Appeal
Following the verdict, NASL’s attorney, Clifford H. Pearson of Pearson Warshaw LLP, acknowledged the outcome and indicated that the league is weighing its appellate options.
Legal Representation
NASL was represented by a team from Winston & Strawn LLP and Pearson Warshaw LLP, including Jeffrey L. Kessler, David G. Feher, Eva W. Cole, and others.
U.S. Soccer’s legal defense was led by attorneys from Latham & Watkins LLP, while MLS was represented by Proskauer Rose LLP.
A Landmark Ruling in U.S. Soccer
The jury’s rejection of the $500 million antitrust case against MLS marks a significant moment in American soccer. With this decision, MLS and U.S. Soccer avoid a potentially precedent-setting ruling that could have reshaped the professional soccer landscape in North America.
