Just when you thought the NFL players and owners might be close in agreeing on a new CBA that would end the lockout, sources are now saying that the negotiations between the two are now trending backwards.
According to ESPN.com, player sources say that owners have reneged on a simplified formula that would have given players 48 percent of all revenue.
Player sources also reaffirmed that a setback in talks occurred when owners apparently went “retro” on a formula that would have divided the estimated $9.3 billion in annual revenue. The players went on to believe that the two sides reached an understanding on a simplified formula in which they would receive 48 percent of revenue. Owners seemed to of back tracked to the old formula by asking for $400 million to $500 million in expenses as credit off the top.
The players believe that based off their calculations the owners’ new proposal would leave them with a 45% take on revenue which is an unacceptable number to them.
As the scheduled beginning of training camp gets closer the NFL and it’s players are running out of time to get a deal done before the lockout truly effects off-season activities. There were some encouraging signs as of late that a deal could be close however this latest news certainly puts a damper on things. Stay tuned to The Majors for more information as it becomes available.
Source: ESPN.com