NFL Imposes Fines on 100 Players for Selling Super Bowl Tickets

The National Football League (NFL) has decided to impose fines on approximately 100 players and around two dozen club employees for selling Super Bowl 59 tickets above their face value. This decision follows an ongoing investigation into violations of league policy, as confirmed by a source with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The players found to have resold their tickets will face fines amounting to one and a half times the original price. Additionally, they will be prohibited from purchasing tickets for the next two Super Bowls unless they are participating in the games themselves. Club employees involved in similar violations will incur even steeper penalties, with fines set at two times the face value of the tickets.

Details of the Investigation

In a memo circulated to NFL teams and obtained by the Associated Press, the NFL’s head of compliance, Sabrina Perel, outlined the findings of the initial investigation. Perel stated, “Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the Policy.”

This long-standing league policy, embedded within the Collective Bargaining Agreement, explicitly prohibits players and club employees from selling tickets acquired through their employers for more than their face value or for an amount exceeding what they originally paid. The memo indicated that some players and employees had sold their tickets to a limited number of “bundlers,” who cooperated with ticket resellers to sell the Super Bowl tickets above face value. Consequently, these bundlers will also face increased penalties.

According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, players from all 32 teams are permitted to purchase two tickets for the Super Bowl.

Future Compliance Measures

In anticipation of future events, Perel emphasized the need for enhanced compliance training regarding the ticket sales policy for all league personnel. She stated, “In advance of Super Bowl LX, we will be enhancing the mandatory compliance training regarding the Policy for all League personnel.” This training will focus on the specific requirements of the policy and the broader principle that no individual should profit personally from their NFL affiliation at the expense of fans.

Perel also announced that the league would increase penalties for any future violations of this policy. “All clubs must ensure their personnel understand and comply with this policy. Additional details regarding the enhanced compliance measures will be provided in early fall,” she added.

The investigation comes on the heels of the Super Bowl match on February 9, 2024, where the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated rematch. The NFL’s actions reflect its commitment to maintaining integrity and fairness within its operations while protecting the interests of its fans.