In a move that has sparked tension between NFL franchises and the players' union, three California-based teams are throwing their weight behind a proposed state law that would overhaul workers' compensation for professional athletes.
The Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers have reportedly signaled support for California Senate Bill 795, a piece of legislation that would restrict how athletes access workers' comp benefits. According to Pro Football Talk, the bill's sponsor, Senator Laura Richardson, included the NFL and those three teams as supporters in a summary of the proposed law. None of the teams have made public statements, but the backing is notable given the high stakes.
California's workers' compensation system is already among the most expensive in the nation, and SB 795 aims to tighten eligibility rules for athletes. The NFL Players Association, however, sees it as a direct attack on player welfare.
NFLPA Fires Back
The union issued a blistering statement Friday opposing the bill, calling it a move that would “significantly restrict professional athletes’ access to the workers’ compensation system.” The NFLPA argued that players already pay for these benefits through their collectively bargained share of league revenue, and that the bill would deny injured athletes the care they are owed.
“This bill targets our players, stripping them of the constitutional rights and legal protections afforded to every other worker in the state,” the NFLPA said. “By advancing this latest anti-player legislation, California’s professional sports teams are seeking to evade that system for financial gain.”
The union vowed to fight the measure, urging lawmakers to reject SB 795 and “stand with the players who make the game possible.”
An Unusual Split
The rift between the NFLPA and these three franchises is striking, especially as the league and union typically present a unified front on many issues. The Rams, Chargers, and 49ers are effectively siding with team owners and the league office, which have long sought to reduce workers' comp costs in California. For context, some of the same dynamics have played out in other sports, like the recent NBA trade rumors swirling around Jaylen Brown, where team financial decisions often clash with player interests.
The proposed changes come as the 2026 regular season approaches, and the timing has raised eyebrows. With the Super Bowl set to be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara later this year, the spotlight on California's football landscape is brighter than ever. The 49ers, in particular, could face scrutiny from fans who wonder whether the team prioritizes profits over player health.
Meanwhile, the NFLPA's strong language suggests this could become a flashpoint in labor relations. The union has not ruled out legal action or public campaigns to pressure the teams to reverse their stance.
What's Next?
SB 795 is still in the legislative process, and its fate remains uncertain. But the battle lines are drawn: three California NFL teams want to limit workers' comp exposure, while the players' union insists that athletes deserve the same protections as any other worker in the state. The outcome could set a precedent for how professional sports teams handle injury benefits in high-cost states.
For now, the tension is palpable. As the NFLPA put it, “We will not accept a system that carves professional athletes out of hard-earned worker protections.” The Rams, Chargers, and 49ers have yet to respond publicly, but their silence speaks volumes.
