Pro Football Talk has gotten a copy of the standard XFL contract for players. The agreement will be the contract for all non-tier one players in the XFL.
The XFL contract is “non-negotiable,” meaning it is a take it or leave it situation for players. Having the agreement “non-negotiable” simplifies the process for the first couple of years of the league.
It would be difficult to have each team negotiate with different player agents, with varying football backgrounds. With no games played yet, it would be hard to put a value on who should get what if no one has ever played a league game yet.
It is not like college football, where there is game tape, and players just finished their four years of eligibility.
Takeaways from the agreement;
“The players get no royalties for merchandise sold by the XFL, including presumably jerseys and other items bearing their names.”
Pro Football Talk
This one stuck out the most, and XFL players should be compensated for merchandise with their names on it. WWE does that with its wrestlers, and it would be a way for players to make some extra money aside from their contracts.
However, the league might not be thinking of putting out player-centered gear the first couple years to keep down costs. Focusing instead of team-centered gear because players in the league would come and go.
I assume “presumably jerseys and other items bearing their names” is Pro Football Talks wording, not the XFL’s.
“the document permits the player to leave for the NFL, but only after the end of the XFL season. Before May 31, 2020, the player is stuck.”
Pro Football Talk
This makes sense because the league wants its players for the full season. Having players jumping in and out of the league during the season would be disruptive across the board. For players, coaches, their teammates, and fans.
Other parts of the agreement have been reported, like player’s compensation numbers, which we have already reported on XFL News Hub.
So if you were a player, would you sill sign on with the XFL?
Rob
November 23, 2019 at 1:57 am
I’d sell insurance like Johnny Manziel
Brian Bontrager
November 24, 2019 at 7:42 am
I wouldn’t sign any contract where I would cede total control of my rights and prohibits me from exploring other opportunities for employment.
E G W
November 26, 2019 at 12:29 pm
By all means, retain your ability to control a long and lucrative career at Foot Locker, Wendy’s or The GAP. That would certainly be the more desirable alternative when faced with a non-negotiable option. Way to stand on principle!?!?!?
Jcole11
November 27, 2019 at 3:49 pm
They don’t play at the same time as the nfl tho. So once the season is over they can join a team if the opportunity presents itself.