The financial relationship between the National Football League players and the sale of their jerseys is complex. While individual players generally do not directly receive a percentage of revenue from the sale of jerseys bearing their name and likeness, they are compensated through a system that factors in overall league revenue, which jersey sales contribute to.
The NFL operates under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). This agreement outlines the terms of revenue sharing between the owners and the players. A significant portion of all NFL revenue, including that generated from merchandise sales like jerseys, is allocated to player salaries and benefits. The more revenue the league generates collectively, the larger the salary cap, which ultimately impacts individual player earnings. Historically, merchandise sales have grown substantially, becoming a major revenue stream, indirectly benefiting players as a whole through the CBA.