Washington July 28 – Here are some of the key sticking points that led to the National Football League’s (NFL) first work stoppage since 1987 and how they were resolved over the four months when players were locked out.
Revenue split
The NFL, which makes more than $9 billion in annual revenue, wanted to reduce the share of league revenue set aside for players by $1 billion, claiming operational costs had risen since the prior deal was struck.
Resolution – The owners will get more money with players receiving an average of at least 47 percent of revenue for the 10-year deal compared to the 50-50 split under the previous collective bargaining agreement.
18-game schedule
NFL owners wanted to extend the regular season to 18 games from 16 and reduce the preseason to two games from four.
Resolution – The current format of four preseason games and 16 regular season games will be retained until at least 2013. Any subsequent changes to the schedule’s format must be made in agreement with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
–Agencies
Rookie wage scale
Owners wanted a rookie pay scale but the NFLPA would consider it only if the money saved was directed to veteran contracts or retiree pension plans and healthcare. Resolution – A new rookie salary system will have top draft picks receiving considerably less signing money than before.
All drafted players will sign four-year contracts and undrafted free agents three-year deals. Beginning in 2012, savings from the new pay system will go to a fund for current and retired player benefits. There also will be strong anti-holdout rules.
Pensions for former players
The NFLPA wanted greatly improved healthcare benefits for previously retired and current players, a lower amount of time accrued to earn the healthcare, among other changes.
Resolution – Over the next 10 years, additional funding of $900 million to $1 billion will be put to retiree benefits with $620 million earmarked for a new Legacy Fund that benefits pre-1993 retirees. Post-career medical options and disability plan also have been improved.
Safety issues
Players, concerned about their health, short and long term, sought major concessions.
Resolution – Two-a-day practices for the most part are gone as limits are placed on the number and intensity of off-season and training camp workouts. Off-season program reduced by five weeks and number of organized team activities reduced to 10 from 14. Number of days off for players will increase.
For injuries, an enhanced protection benefit of up to $1 million of a player’s salary will be provided for the contract year after his injury and up to $500,000 in the second year after an injury.