Rams settle seat-license suit, could pay $24 million

One of the biggest disputes remaining from the Rams relocating to Los Angeles concluded Wednesday with an agreement to pay as much as $24 million to fans who purchased personal seat licenses during the franchise’s two decades in St. Louis.

The deal, first reported by The Times last month, resolves three class-action lawsuits that were consolidated into one U.S. District Court case in St. Louis.

“This settlement provides a substantial benefit that matches the relief we sought in the lawsuit,” Kevin Green, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement.

The motion for preliminary approval Wednesday covers 46,000 PSLs first sold by FANS, Inc., the ticketing agent for the Rams, and later by the franchise. The PSLs, which allowed the owner to purchase season tickets for Rams games at the Edward Jones Dome, ran through 2024.

The settlement refunds 30% of the PSL value since nine years remained on the original 30-year terms when NFL owners voted in January 2016 to approve the Rams returning to L.A. Payouts will range from $75 to $1,350 per claim depending on the PSL price tier.

If the claims exceed $24 million, each payout will be reduced on a pro-rated basis to stay under the cap.

The Rams also agreed to pay $7.2 million in fees for the plaintiffs’ attorneys, if approved by the court.

A Rams spokeswoman declined to comment.

The litigation, which started in February 2016, has been stayed since May to allow the parties to participate in two mediation sessions and reach the settlement.