(CNN) National Football League players narrowly approved the ratification of a new, 10-year collective bargaining agreement, the NFL Players Association announced Sunday, setting the stage for an increased regular season and playoff field. A total of 1,019 of the players (51.5%) voted for the agreement, and 959 voted (48.5%) against it. "This result comes after a long and democratic process in accordance with our constitution," the NFLPA said in a statement. When the season expands to 17 games, the preseason will be shortened from four weeks to three. The league's owners voted to approve the deal in February.

Source: CNN March 15, 2020 16:41 UTC