Today, Sports Fans Coalition Executive Director Brian Frederick and SFC Chair David Goodfriend sent the following letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith:

Dear Mr. Goodell and Mr. Smith,

On behalf of NFL fans everywhere, we are requesting that the leadership of Sports Fans Coalition be present for future negotiating sessions between the NFL and the NFL Players Association until such time as a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.

We are not asking for a seat at the negotiating table — although we believe fans deserve one — but merely to be present in the room so that we may inform fans across the country about the state of ongoing negotiations and ensure that progress is being made towards an agreement that ensures a central consideration of fans.

As fans and taxpayers, we have invested over $6.5 billion around the country on NFL stadiums, in addition to the billions we have spent on tickets and NFL merchandise. We have transformed our urban centers with the promise that new stadiums would serve as an economic boon to the surrounding community. A work stoppage would be devastating to many cities, including local workers and businesses.

The NFL and other professional sports leagues also enjoy an exemption from federal antitrust statutes with respect to negotiating broadcast rights, which has enabled the owners and players to make significant revenues.

If the NFL and NFLPA cannot come to an agreement and a devastating work stoppage is the result, the public has a right to know why.

Hopefully, both sides can come to an agreement in the immediate future and this great American sport can continue to bring happiness to the many fans, families, and communities that enjoy professional football. Until then, the fans deserve to know that someone in the negotiation process is looking out for their best interests.

We will contact your offices to follow up on this request.

Sincerely,

Brian Frederick                                                   David Goodfriend
Executive Director                                            Chair
Sports Fans Coalition                                        Sports Fans Coalition