NFL Players Association votes to approve the new CBA

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has voted to approve the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement. The new CBA was opposed by a number of high-profile veteran players, such as Richard Sherman and Aaron Rodgers, but appealed to enough of the rank and file of the NFL that it passed by a slim 60 votes.

Statement from Commissioner Roger Goodell:

“​We are pleased that the players have voted to ratify the proposed new CBA, which will provide substantial benefits to all current and retired players, increase jobs, ensure continued progress on player safety, and give our fans more and better football. We appreciate the tireless efforts of the members of the Management Council Executive Committee and the NFLPA leadership, both of whom devoted nearly a year to detailed, good faith negotiations to reach this comprehensive, transformative agreement. “

The CBA will also add two more playoff teams for the 2020 season, as well as adding a 17th game sometime between 2021 season and 2023 seasons.

Via NFL.com, more details of the new CBA:

There will be an uptick in player revenue, set at 47 percent in 2020 and then at least 48 percent in 2021 with the ability to increase the percentage to a 48.5 share through a media kicker that applies in any season the league plays 17 games.

Players who earn league minimums will get an increase in salary and there will be an increase in performance-based pay, beginning with an average 12 percent increase. The league estimates that as much as an additional $100 million will go to players immediately this season.

Two additional active spots will bring rosters to 55 men, while there will be a decrease in padded practices at training camp, down from 28 to 16. Padded practices will be limited to 2.5 hours, down from 3.

Retired players will also benefit from the new deal, as they will see an increase in benefits and boost to pensions.

Changes to the drug policy include a reduction in penalties for players who test positive for THC (eliminating suspensions solely based on positive tests), an abbreviated testing window (from four months to two weeks at the start of training camp) and a significant increase in the threshold for a positive test (nanogram limit rises from 35 to 150).

The new CBA will last 10 years, giving the NFL labor peace through the 2030 season, a far cry from the contentious negotiations and lockout that defined the 2011 CBA.

Stay with Big Blue View as we get more on today’s news and the developing consequences of the new agreement.