• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

NFL Owners ‘Surprised’ By $232.5M in Rams Settlement Charges

Rams
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL agreed to pay $790 million in November to end a legal dispute over the Rams’ relocation from St. Louis to Los Angeles back in 2016. 

The amount is the most the NFL has ever paid to settle litigation, and details about where the money came from are now starting to emerge.

Filed in 2017 by St. Louis, St. Louis County, and the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority, the lawsuit alleged the league broke its own relocation rules when the Rams moved. 

Rams owner Stan Kroenke agreed to indemnify the league before other NFL owners approved the team’s move in 2016, but wavered on his promises shortly before the trial started on Jan. 10, 2022. Kroenke previously attempted to settle the suit for $100 million.

Instead, the NFL settled and Kroenke’s counterparts paid a portion of it. The league has reportedly taken $7.5 million from the other 31 teams — totaling $232.5 million — a “surprise” to the owners, who are left with questions about their budgets. The Athletic reported that the rest likely came from the NFL’s financial reserves.

  • The owners reportedly still don’t know if the money will be returned from the league.
  • Kroenke continues to resist pressure to pay the sum, arguing that legal costs and settlement payments are different.

Owners Divided

New York Giants owner John Mara said last year that if Kroenke hadn’t agreed to indemnify it, owners wouldn’t have voted in favor of the move. Other owners, including the Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones, advocated for the Rams’ move.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.
September 12, 2025

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.