Ticket Brokers Sue Houston Texans Over season Ticket Policy Changes
A group of 19 ticket brokers is suing the Houston Texans, alleging the team unfairly changed it’s season ticket policies after the 2023 season. the lawsuit centers on claims that the Texans raised ticket prices adn restricted the number of tickets the brokers, who have held Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) as the team’s inception, could purchase.
Texans’ Attempt to Enhance Home-Field Advantage Sparks Legal Battle
The Texans’ alleged actions come amid concerns about visiting fans creating a disruptive atmosphere at NRG Stadium. Last year, a Sunday night home game saw a meaningful portion of the crowd supporting the Detroit Lions, reportedly leading to a false start penalty against the Texans due to the noise. The lawsuit argues that the Texans’ policies negatively impact not only the brokers but also devoted Texans fans.
“This outrageous and unacceptable behavior doesn’t just harm the Plaintiffs — it harms hundreds of thousands of Texans’ fans, and every sports fan in Texas who wants to attend an NFL game at NRG Stadium,’’ said Josh Bowlin, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, in a press release.
Texans Deny Wrongdoing
The Texans have responded to the lawsuit, stating they believe the allegations are without merit. “We were recently made aware of a lawsuit filed by certain ticket resellers,” the Texans said in a statement. “We believe these allegations are meritless and look forward to addressing them appropriately.”
PSLs at the Heart of the Dispute
The existence of PSLs held by the brokers adds a layer of complexity to the case. the PSL agreements may contain specific terms that prevent the Texans from selectively altering rules for certain PSL holders, particularly concerning ticket purchase and resale. The brokers’ long-standing PSL ownership, potentially dating back to 2002 before the rise of the modern ticket resale market, could further bolster their legal arguments.
Precedent Set by Other NFL Teams
This legal challenge follows a similar move by the Green Bay packers, who reportedly terminated season ticket rights for individuals who consistently resold all their tickets for multiple years. However, the Texans’ case differs due to the PSL agreements, which could provide stronger contractual protections for the ticket brokers.
What specific changes to the season ticket policies are the ticket brokers objecting to?
Ticket Brokers Sue Houston Texans Over Season Ticket Policy Changes: Q&A
Here’s a breakdown of the lawsuit against the Houston Texans, clarifying key points:
Q&A
Q: Why are ticket brokers suing the Houston Texans?
A: They allege the Texans unfairly changed season ticket policies after the 2023 season, specifically raising prices and restricting the number of tickets brokers wiht Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) could purchase.
Q: What are Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs), and why are they significant here?
A: PSLs grant the right to purchase season tickets. The brokers hold PSLs, potentially from the team’s inception in 2002. These agreements may have specific terms protecting their ticket purchasing and resale rights, making the changes by the Texans a point of contention. Fun Fact: PSLs can sometimes be resold themselves, offering another avenue for profit!
Q: What’s the Texans’ motivation for changing their ticket policies?
A: The team aims to enhance their home-field advantage. They noticed a significant number of visiting fans at games, creating a disruptive atmosphere.Specifically, a game against the Detroit Lions was cited where the noise allegedly led to a false start penalty against the Texans.
Q: What does the lawsuit claim?
A: The lawsuit argues the Texans’ policies harm not only the brokers but also “hundreds of thousands of Texans’ fans” and any sports fan wanting to attend an NFL game at NRG Stadium.
Q: What is the Texans’ response?
A: The Texans deny any wrongdoing, stating the allegations are without merit and they intend to address them appropriately.
Q: Is this the first time an NFL team has faced such a challenge?
A: No. The Green Bay Packers terminated season ticket rights for individuals who consistently resold all their tickets. However,the Texans’ case differs due to the PSL agreements,which could have stronger contractual protections. Did you know? The Packers’ stadium, Lambeau Field, is known for its passionate home crowd!
Q: What’s the likely outcome?
A: The outcome will depend on the details of the PSL agreements and whether the court sides with the brokers’ claims of a breach of contract. The long-standing nature of the PSL ownership could be a crucial factor.
Q: What does this mean for regular Texans fans?
A: It could impact ticket availability, especially for those who rely on the resale market. The lawsuit’s outcome could also have implications for how other teams manage ticket policies.
Q: Can a PSL get you into any game?
A: No,a PSL gives you the *right* to buy season tickets. Individual tickets are required for each game.
Stay tuned for updates as the legal battle unfolds,impacting how you experience Texans games in the future.
