Players appear willing to accept 48 percent of revenue to end lockout.
There may not be a signed Collective Bargaining Agreement following Tuesday's NFL owners’ meeting, but it does look like a deal to end the lockout may be close.
According to an ESPN.com report, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell approached the owners with a proposal that shows quite a bit of give and good faith on the part of the players. Among the concessions it appears the players are willing to make is a cut in their take of the $9 billion empire.
Here is a breakdown of what ESPN.com says is on the table from both sides:
—The players will accept 48 percent of all revenue made, down from the current 60 percent.
—The owners will no longer take the $1 billion-plus credit off the top.
—Players' share of revenue will never drop under 46.5 percent in revamped formula.
—Teams will be required to spend close to 100 percent of the salary cap.
—Four years will be needed for unrestricted free-agent status.
—An 18-game regular season designated only as a negotiable item and at no point is mandated in deal.
—A new 16-game Thursday night TV package beginning in 2012.
—Owners still will get some expense credits that will allow funding for new stadiums.
If the owners sign off on this agreement it would represent a major win-win for both sides.
The work stoppage is in its 98th day on Tuesday, which represents the longest such stoppage in NFL history.
Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris
(Photo: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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