Report: NFL could ask fans to sign COVID-19 waivers

The NFL is considering requiring fans attending games this season to sign liability waivers to prevent teams from being exposed to COVID-19 lawsuits, sources told The Athletic's Daniel Kaplan.

The league has insisted it intends to play a full 2020 campaign in front of fans, though contingency plans reportedly include closed-door games.

However, with coronavirus cases surging in the United States over the last two weeks, there's increasing concern about how realistic it is for fans to attend.

The waiver proposal will reportedly be part of a larger set of health and safety recommendations from the league to teams.

The enforcement of fans wearing masks, concessions stands only featuring pre-packaged food, and no usage of cash are also among the recommendations.

While some questioned the validity of the liability waivers to Kaplan, others believe the measures could be enforceable.

"Waivers are governed by state law and speaking very generally and in over broad terms, are typically unenforceable depending on circumstances," said Irwin Kishner, head of the sports practice at New York law firm Herrick Feinstein, which represents team owners.

"Fans attending games, though, are assuming a level of risk by entering a stadium," he adds.

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