#NFL and players’ union reach deal on return-to-play plan

As players plan to report to training camp in the coming days, the NFL and the NFL Players Association have finalized their return-to-play plan.

Under the agreement, this year’s salary cap will remain the same — at $198.2 million — and potential financial losses due to COVID-19 will be spread out over a four-year span, according to ESPN.

The potential financial hit, likely to be driven by empty stadiums and loss of related sales, will reportedly be spread with lower salary caps from 2021-24. Economics were reportedly one of the biggest hurdles in reaching an agreement.

The cap cannot go lower than $175 million next year, but can be raised if revenues are better than expected, according to the report.

Players have the option to opt out of the season, but they have seven days from the time the agreement is officially signed to make their decision.

“The season will undoubtedly present new and additional challenges, but we are committed to playing a safe and complete 2020 season, culminating with the Super Bowl,” the league said in a statement.

The owners unanimously approved the proposal, and the union’s team representatives voted to go forward with the plan, making the deal official.

“Our NFLPA Board of Representatives voted to adopt, by a count of 29-3, the proposed amendments to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement to protect our player’s health, safety and financial well-being,” the union said in a statement.

It is unclear which player representatives voted against the proposal.

The NFL will start training camp on time and as planned. As part of the league’s slow “ramp-up” process, however, all four preseason games were eliminated.