The 2020 NFL season is right around the corner and at a time when players should be packing their bags preparing for training camp, the league faces uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the latest economic proposal from the NFL Players Association, the NFL and its owners are reportedly set to respond in ongoing negotiations that will define the upcoming season.
NFL expected to respond to NFLPA’s economic proposal this week
Around the NFL, from team owners to players, everyone anticipates a staggering hit to the league’s revenue this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the ongoing crisis, both sides are negotiating and economic and safety plan for the 2020 season.
Facing billions of dollars in lost revenue, which could deliver a massive blow to the 2021 salary cap, the NFLPA proposed a flat cap in its economic outline for the season. The union’s counterproposal also rejected the league’s request to hold a significant portion of player salaries in escrow and the union requested fully guaranteed money be paid even if games are canceled.
Negotiations continued on Monday with a conference call, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Both sides will also talk about player safety and health on Tuesday, before the NFL could respond to the NFLPA’s economic plan later this week.
Both sides must agree on health and economic plans before the 2020 NFL season can begin and even for players to report for training camp. While the official report date for veterans is July 28, players don’t have to show up until a deal is done.