2020 NFL-NFLPA CBA: Need to know

Building on the progress since the 2011 deal and enhanced collaboration between the NFL and NFL Players Association, a new collective bargaining agreement is in place through the 2030 season.

Highlights include:

• 14-team playoff: Starting in the 2020 season, seven teams from each conference will make the playoffs
• Increased gameday active roster: The number of active players on gameday will increase to 48 players from 46. Teams must have at least eight offensive linemen.
• Improved health and safety: guaranteed funding for research on training methods, equipment, field surfaces, and medical care; the formation of a new committee to design safety standards for equipment; the extension of training camp acclimation periods; further strengthened credentialing standards for team medical and training staffs; enhanced enforcement of the concussion protocol; and additional joint research funding.

In addition to the on-field highlights, the new 2020 CBA establishes unprecedented benefits for current players and Legends throughout their playing days and beyond.

For current players, the agreement provides unprecedented financial benefits and health and safety protections, both now and in the long term.

• Increased retirement security
• Improved health and safety
• Expanded health care benefits
• Personal and professional development opportunities

The new deal commits nearly $2 billion in additional funds to provide extraordinary improvements in pension for more than 11,500 Legends, as well as expanded health care benefits. 

• Increased retirement security
• Full funding for The Legacy Fund
• Earlier vesting for Pension and HRA benefit programs
• Increased benefits for families
• Health reimbursement account (HRA)
• Health care network of high-quality medical care providers in every NFL city

“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,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “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.”