"Our clubs authorised a potential NFL expenditure of up to $20million to help repair the Superdome as part of the state's effort to complete terms to have the Dome ready to host games in September," NFL vice president of communications Greg Aiello said.
"This would be a positive step in the overall rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region."
The donation followed several weeks of talks, said Superdome spokesman Bill Curl. The effort has also helped identify long-term solutions to keep the Saints in New Orleans, he said.
"We are very appreciative of the Saints' and NFL's commitment to help us rebuild the Superdome and will continue to work closely with them as we progress through this recovery," Curl said.
The Superdome was used as a shelter for between 25,000 and 30,000 people following Katrina. Repair costs are estimated at about $140million and most of that is expected to be covered by the state's insurance and by FEMA.
