Talks over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for American football league the NFL have reportedly included the introduction of a “stadium credits” clause.
The CBA is the document that sets out the split of revenues between team owners and players, with the NFL currently coming towards the end of a 10-year contract agreed in July 2011. NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk website, citing a source with knowledge of the negotiations, said at least three rounds of CBA talks have been held between the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA), with the process set to continue in mid-July.
The report states a new part of the talks comes in the form of so-called stadium credits. Pro Football Talk said the league is seeking to divert a significant amount of the money that currently is shared between owners and players to stadium construction and renovation projects.
The NFLPA is reportedly said to consider this a major amendment to the existing CBA, putting paid to the notion that a new deal would represent a mere extension of the current agreement.
The NFL is currently in the midst of two major stadium developments. L.A. Stadium, the $2.6bn (£2.07bn/€2.3bn) future home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is set to open for the 2020 season. Also set for 2020 is Las Vegas Stadium, the under-construction $2bn (£1.6bn/€1.8bn) venue for the relocation of the Oakland Raiders.
Looking forward, the Buffalo Bills are also assessing whether to redevelop New Era Field (pictured) or potentially build a new home. Pro Football Talk added that any inclusion of stadium credits in the next CBA would potentially give players a voice on the issue of team relocation, a subject that has long been dictated by team owners and the league.
The signing of the NFL’s current CBA ended the league’s first work stoppage since 1987.
Image: Buffalo Bills
