NFL Delays Expansion Until at Least ’95 Season

The NFL delayed its expansion plans for at least a year Tuesday at a meeting of the 28 owners in Chicago.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said that 1995 would be the earliest the league could go to 30 teams.

“I think ’94 will be out,” he said.

It was the first time any top league official had ruled out 1994, the target date the league had set for expanding by two teams.

The NFL owners have their hands full trying to solve a five-year labor stalemate with the players. There is also sentiment for putting together a proposal for a new television contract. The current deal, which will pay each team $32 million this year and $39 next year, will expire after the 1993 season.