NFL CBA Developments and Turf Discussions

The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire in 2031, but there’s already a lot of work underway regarding the current contract. One notable idea being floated is the possibility of adding an 18th regular-season game by 2028. This move aims to boost revenue, which will inevitably lead to discussions about player compensation. However, it seems that the biggest issue might not just be about money—it’s about the type of surface players will be competing on.

Tretter pointed out, “Look at FIFA; owners are ready to roll out the red carpet for their players.” Interestingly, even as NFL players largely prefer turf, team owners are leaning towards installing artificial surfaces in more stadiums. The appeal of turf lies in its cost-effectiveness and stability. Yet, players argue that grass feels better, is safer, and is more comfortable. For the upcoming 2026 season, stadiums will be split, with 15 featuring grass, another 15 having artificial turf, and two opting for a hybrid setup.

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) seems to be aware of its negotiating power, considering the prospect of an 18-game schedule.

Debates about grass versus turf, like those raised by Tretter and former player McCown, are strategic. These discussions are expected to gain traction as the players’ union prepares to negotiate the expanded schedule. While there may be financial gains through revenue-sharing in the move to 18 games, players are primarily focused on enhancing their quality of life.

One proposal involves requiring all NFL teams to use turf, with mandatory standards potentially based on annual player feedback.

It’s clear that soccer should ideally be played on grass, although that comes with its own hurdles. The NFLPA has highlighted how temporary turf was used during the World Cup to great effect, but this argument may not carry much weight. It’s more likely that owners are following FIFA’s lead rather than acting out of genuine concern for player welfare. The expectation is clear: grass should be the primary playing surface. An example of this is Lionel Messi, who joined MLS yet opted out of certain away games at stadiums with grass fields due to personal preferences.

Then there’s the harsh reality that turf often falls short in durability, particularly when maintaining natural grass in a dome. While we might look back fondly on the days of all-natural turf, we sometimes overlook how turf can wear down and become uneven—especially with multi-purpose stadiums becoming common.

Maintaining turf on soccer fields is generally simpler, but football presents unique challenges as players dig in their cleats and exert force regularly. Teams with natural grass sometimes need to replace the entire field during the season to keep quality up, which is a significant hassle, especially in winter.

That said, for the NFLPA, the benefits of ensuring player safety from injuries make discussions about surfaces worthwhile. Research shows that artificial turf can be harmful, so having a standardized surface across the league would enable consistent cleat designs, safer gameplay, and an overall better experience. If an 18th game is truly on the table, it might be time for team owners to address these issues seriously.