NFLPA Expected To Vote On Potential 17-Game Season Soon

Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen are reporting that the NFLPA spoke to a group of select player agents that were invited to discuss a contentious players union meeting in which they reviewed the proposed new CBA. 

The meeting discussed the ramifications of the players rejecting the current proposal, which could include a potential lockout and work stoppage in 2021.

According to ESPN, the window for a new agreement “is closing” and NFL owners are prepared to table their proposal and play out the last year of the deal.

On Thursday, player reps were “just about unanimous” against a 17-game regular season expansion before changing to a “more conciliatory tone” after they went through the offer on a point by point analysis. The meeting reportedly ended with the agreement to hold another meeting this week. 

According to ESPN, there is a real possibility the players will ask their negotiating team to see if the owners are willing to consider other concessions financially and to reduce training camp and preseason workloads. 

Schefter and Mortensen list some of the notable highlights of the current proposal as:

• The NFL will have an option to establish a 17-game regular season that would not kick in until at least the 2021 season, with the option tied to new revenues in pending TV and media contracts

• If there is an agreement in place before the new league year in March, the new deal would take effect immediately for the 2020 season, bumping up the players’ share of revenues immediately under a 16 game format.

• The players will receive an annual fixed share in the 48 percent range of an anticipated larger revenue pool and also greater cash spending minimums for clubs.

• The 2020 season also would likely include an extra playoff game pending the owners’ approval at the annual league meetings in March.

• Changes to the drug policy would nearly eliminate punishments to players who test positive for marijuana.

• The on-field discipline fine schedule will be modified significantly in players’ favor.

• The players would gain increases to former player benefits, including a continuation of the legacy fund.