NFL and NFLPA set to meet again in July, and this is great news for football fans

The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and NFLPA is due to expire in 2020. For fans who were paying close attention the last time these two entities had to head to the negotiating table know this could be anything but smooth sailing. The players are always wanting a bigger slice of the gigantic NFL pie, and the owners seem to cling to every inch before giving any ground.

There are a lot of different facets which will be negotiated before a new CBA is reached, and although the NFLPA is telling their players to prepare for a lockout, at least the two sides are talking.

Per Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

The three-day summit will be the first time sides have negotiated for three consecutive days in an effort to hammer out the more difficult issues. Sides have met thrice previously this offseason.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported in May that talks have been described as “cordial” and “amicable” by multiple sources at the early stages. We’ll see if things get more contentious during the July meetings.

The ultimate plan is to get a head start on these negotiations before the deadline after the 2020 campaign gets closer. Some of the hot button topics on the docket would be the NFL’s substance abuse policy, particularly regarding the use of marijuana, but the biggest negotiation which will take place is regarding the amount of money the players get from the large TV contracts and overall compensation from the multi-billion dollar National Football League.

It doesn’t help players are constantly watching MLB and NBA players getting max contracts filled with guaranteed money. Despite the NFL’s dominance, regarding popularity, players are treated the worst when it comes to compensation.

Still, football fans should be hopeful regarding the fact the NFL and NFLPA are at least having amicable discussions this early in the process.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for the 2019 regular season.