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Merriman Calls for NFL Player Revenue Increase

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 15:19 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, UNITED STATES

Monday, March 16th, 2026 - Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman is spearheading a renewed call for a more equitable revenue distribution within the National Football League, specifically advocating for a larger share for players in light of skyrocketing television rights deals. Merriman's recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" has sparked a critical conversation about the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and whether it adequately reflects the value players bring to the multi-billion dollar NFL empire.

Merriman, a dominant force on the field earning three Pro Bowl selections during his career, articulated a growing sentiment amongst current and former players: the current revenue split overwhelmingly favors owners, leaving those who physically deliver the entertainment with what he deems an insufficient piece of the pie. He highlights the disparity between the exponential growth of TV revenue - currently exceeding $10 billion annually - and the relatively stagnant share allocated to the players.

"The TV deals are insane, and the players are getting like a small piece of the pie," Merriman stated. "They're making these massive deals and the players' share is staying the same. It's just not right."

This isn't simply a matter of dissatisfaction; it's a challenge to the foundational economics of professional football. The 2020 CBA, a 10-year agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), currently allocates approximately 47% of league revenue to the players. While substantial, Merriman argues this percentage is becoming increasingly inadequate as TV contracts reach unprecedented heights. The argument centers on the idea that the value creating the product - the players themselves - should be proportionally rewarded when the league's financial resources are dramatically increasing.

A History of Revenue Sharing Disputes The struggle for a fair revenue split is not new to the NFL. Past lockouts and contentious negotiations have historically characterized the relationship between owners and players. The 2011 lockout, lasting 119 days, was a direct result of disagreements over revenue sharing and player benefits. While the 2020 CBA seemed to provide a temporary resolution, the current acceleration in media rights revenue is bringing those tensions back to the surface.

The NFL's revenue streams have evolved significantly over the years. While ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships remain important, television revenue now dominates the financial landscape. The NFL's shrewd negotiation of media rights deals with networks like CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and now streaming giants like Amazon and Apple, has created a revenue explosion. These deals are not just about broadcasting games; they're about controlling access to a hugely valuable cultural phenomenon.

The Player's Perspective: Risk and Reward

Merriman powerfully emphasizes the physical toll demanded of NFL players. "The players are the ones making the plays, the ones putting their bodies on the line, and they're the ones bringing the value to the league," he asserts. "Owners are investing, but without players, there's no league." This underscores a fundamental imbalance: owners provide the capital and infrastructure, but players bear the immense physical risk and contribute the on-field performance that attracts billions in viewership and advertising revenue. The short career spans typical of NFL players--often plagued by long-term health issues--further amplify the need for a more generous compensation model.

Furthermore, the increase in player salaries hasn't kept pace with the overall revenue increase. While top-tier quarterbacks and a select few star players command enormous contracts, the vast majority of players still operate under challenging financial realities, especially considering the physical demands and potential for career-ending injuries.

Looking Ahead: CBA Renegotiation and Potential Outcomes

Merriman's call for a revisit of the CBA is gaining traction, and it's likely to become a central issue in future negotiations. While a mid-contract renegotiation is rare, the sheer magnitude of the revenue increase could force the league to consider adjustments. Several potential outcomes are on the table:

• Increased Percentage: A direct increase in the percentage of revenue allocated to players.
• Tiered Revenue Sharing: A system where players receive a larger share of incremental revenue generated from new TV deals.
• Enhanced Benefit Packages: Improvements to player healthcare, retirement plans, and post-career support.
• Guaranteed Contracts: More robust guarantees within player contracts to mitigate financial risk.

The NFLPA, under the leadership of DeMaurice Smith, has consistently advocated for player rights and a fair share of revenue. They will likely be receptive to Merriman's arguments and will undoubtedly use them as leverage in future CBA discussions. The league, however, will likely resist any significant changes that could impact owner profitability.

The debate over player compensation is far from over, and Shawne Merriman's outspoken advocacy is bringing renewed attention to a critical issue that will shape the future of professional football.