2026-06-17 · NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The San Francisco 49ers players have released an NFLPA statement strongly opposing the California Senate Bill 795, which aims to update the state's workers' compensation law for professional athletes. The bill, passed by the California State Senate, restricts which athletes can file for workers' compensation in California, specifically for cumulative injuries. San Francisco 49ers players, along with other professional athletes, would receive fewer protections for their high-risk jobs if the bill is passed. The bill also exempts athletes who did not perform or were only temporarily working in the state, which could affect athletes from various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. The California State Assembly is currently reviewing the bill, which requires a simple majority to be passed. The San Francisco 49ers players' opposition to the bill is based on the potential negative impact on their compensation and benefits. The NFLPA statement highlights the importance of protecting professional athletes' rights and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work. The bill's provisions could have far-reaching consequences for professional athletes in California, and the San Francisco 49ers players are taking a stance to protect their interests. The California State Assembly's insurance committee has postponed the bill's hearing to June 17, giving athletes and teams more time to review and respond to the proposed legislation.