NFL Panel to Decide What It Will Cost Cardinals to Move to Phoenix

PHOENIX — The size of the indemnity payment is the only thing standing between the St. Louis Cardinals and a new home in Phoenix, National Football League sources said Sunday after an executive committee session was canceled on the first day of the league’s winter meetings.

The committee, consisting of the owner and one assistant from each NFL franchise, is scheduled to meet today.

According to an NFL majority’s interpretation of league rules, the Cardinals, in order to change bases, must indemnify the 27 other franchises for the financial gains that would have been theirs if an expansion team had been awarded to Phoenix instead.

When the Cardinals decided to move here, they automatically assumed the indemnification burden, most NFL owners hold. The executive committee will determine the size of the sum.

What makes it significant is that the league also expects indemnifications from the Raiders for their move from Oakland to Los Angeles.

In the only convention business Sunday, NFL executives briefed club employees on changes in player personnel policies, operations and other routine matters.