The NFL and the National Football League Players association are active in negotiating an economic proposal in advance of the 2020 season. The purpose of the negotiations is to deal with the decrease in revenue resultant on the crisis caused by COVID-19.
In addition to the negotiations, additional talks are on-going relating to players who wish to opt out of the season. This, of course, doesn’t include the fact that teams will have to deal with lost revenue due to the absenteeism of fans. Currently, 30 players have opted out due to safety concerns and the continued increase in reported COVID cases.
However, based on currently guidelines, the NFL has sent teams notifications outlining the scheduled reporting dates for players. The outline states that rookies are scheduled to report on the 21st of July, injured and quarterbacks on the 23rd and all remaining players on the 28th.
Impact of Opt-outs
The severity of the coronavirus has seen some players expressing a concern about returning due to the risk presented to their health and that of their teammates and families. Some already have contracted the virus and therefore are naturally unavailable to return unless given the ok by team physicians.
As a result of this, the union representing the players has outlined rules for opting out. Those who wish to opt out much notify the team and NFL in writing by the 1st of August. Should a player exercise their right to opt-out, the decision cannot be reversed, and teams will not be able to exercise any rights to negotiate the player with other teams.
2020: A Season Like None Other
While the season is expected to start on the 10th of September, fans will have to settle for watching from home or recording games to their TV Stick. The biggest problem for players, team owners and fans are there is no indication the viruses spread in the U.S is slowing.
Resultant on this, week one and three of the preseason have been cancelled. For fans from Pennsylvania and, for that matter, the U.S. in general, the outlook for what is to come this season is concerning.
The good news is that many markets have reopened, and bettors will be able to place bets. However, concerns over travelling will result in many placing bets on apps such as the PA sports betting app as it allows punters to place wagers online.
Currently, the oddsmakers are favoring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens are the top two teams, both of whom are closely followed by the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Regardless of whether the Chiefs and Ravens head to the Super Bowl, the reality is, 2020 will be a season few will forget, and will be one that goes down in history, as it has for all other sports leagues. For the NFL, this could see Super Bowl celebrations being without the sound of cheering fans and could even result in the half-time show also being absent.
