Report: NFL, union talking cap, possible pay cuts
ByReuters
Published 02/06/2020 at 21:39 GMT
The NFL and the players union are discussing various alternative plans regarding the salary cap to limit the impact of expected revenue losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic, NFL Network reported Tuesday.
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Image credit: Eurosport
With the expectation of limited numbers or no fans in attendance at games this
season -- along with the specter of potential canceled games -- the league's
revenue is expected to decline, perhaps significantly. The 2021 salary cap is
based off of revenue this season, making for a potentially large decline in
cap space.
season -- along with the specter of potential canceled games -- the league's
revenue is expected to decline, perhaps significantly. The 2021 salary cap is
based off of revenue this season, making for a potentially large decline in
cap space.
Per NFL Network, the league and NFLPA know they must negotiate an alternative
to avoid a sharp drop in cap space. Negotiations have not yet begun, and no
deadline is being set before the start of the regular season. There is a hope
of reaching an agreement before training camps open in late July, per the
report.
to avoid a sharp drop in cap space. Negotiations have not yet begun, and no
deadline is being set before the start of the regular season. There is a hope
of reaching an agreement before training camps open in late July, per the
report.
The focus is currently on calculating potential losses to help guide
priorities.
priorities.
Among the possibilities being considered are borrowing from expected future
television deals, which many have forecasted will cause a cap spike in 2022.
Per the report, neither players nor teams want a drop in the cap and then a
sharp spike a year or two later, as it would make long-term finances and
extensions for players difficult to plan.
television deals, which many have forecasted will cause a cap spike in 2022.
Per the report, neither players nor teams want a drop in the cap and then a
sharp spike a year or two later, as it would make long-term finances and
extensions for players difficult to plan.
Another option would be for the union to agree to giving back some money this
year, which would likely come via trimming base salaries. The report added
it's unclear how much of a cut the league would seek, or what structure
players would accept.
year, which would likely come via trimming base salaries. The report added
it's unclear how much of a cut the league would seek, or what structure
players would accept.
Both the league and NFLPA declined comment on NFL Network's report. However,
NFL Network reported sources informed of the union's thinking said the
organization "would be amenable to negotiating with the league to smooth out
the salary cap as much as possible."
NFL Network reported sources informed of the union's thinking said the
organization "would be amenable to negotiating with the league to smooth out
the salary cap as much as possible."
Base salaries are paid weekly during the season. Most other forms of payment
to players -- signing, roster and workout bonuses -- have already been paid.
to players -- signing, roster and workout bonuses -- have already been paid.
The league has continued to plan for the season to start as scheduled on Sept.
10, though it is planning for alternatives. Some states have said they will
permit fans at sporting events with significantly reduced capacity limits.
10, though it is planning for alternatives. Some states have said they will
permit fans at sporting events with significantly reduced capacity limits.
The cap is set at $198.2 million for 2020.
--Field Level Media
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