NFL Fines Over 100 Players for Selling Super Bowl Tickets Above Value

The National Football League (NFL) is taking significant action against approximately 100 players and two dozen club employees for selling Super Bowl 59 tickets above their face value. According to information obtained by The Associated Press on March 15, 2024, those found in violation will face fines and restrictions related to future ticket purchases.

The fines imposed on players who resold their tickets will equal one and a half times the face value paid. Additionally, these players will be prohibited from purchasing tickets for the next two Super Bowls unless they are active participants in the games. Club employees who breached the ticket policy will incur fines of two times the face value.

In a memo to NFL teams, Sabrina Perel, the NFL’s head of compliance, indicated that the investigation into these violations is ongoing. The memo 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.”

The NFL’s long-standing policy, which is incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), explicitly prohibits league or club employees, including players, from reselling tickets acquired from their employer for more than the original purchase price.

Investigation Findings and Future Measures

The investigation revealed that players and club personnel sold their tickets to a limited number of “bundlers,” who were collaborating with a ticket reseller to market the Super Bowl tickets at inflated prices. As outlined in the memo, these bundlers will also face increased penalties for their involvement.

Perel emphasized the NFL’s commitment to compliance and integrity, stating, “In advance of Super Bowl LX, we will be enhancing the mandatory compliance training regarding the Policy for all League personnel.” This initiative aims to reinforce the importance of adhering to the regulations and ensuring that NFL affiliations do not result in personal profit at the expense of fans.

According to the CBA, players across all 32 teams are allowed to purchase two tickets for the Super Bowl. The NFL is set to issue further details about enhanced compliance measures in early fall, aiming to prevent future violations and maintain fair practices.

The recent Super Bowl, held on February 9, 2025, saw the Philadelphia Eagles claim victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, reigniting discussions about ticket practices as fans continue to navigate the complexities of ticket sales within the league.