The front office/owners side via interview with Goodell. They are going to take back some lost ground and the players are going to have to give it. Bad economy is on the employer's side every time.:
Goodell: NFL doesn't expect uncapped season in 2010
By Sean Leahy, USA TODAY
NFL owners are formulating a strategy to begin negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union, but commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday he expects a new deal will be in place before next March, when the salary cap is set to expire.
"I don't believe that will be the case," Goodell said when asked about the possibilities in an uncapped season in 2010. Owners opted out of the current CBA last year, which will trigger the end of the salary cap if no new deal is reached before next March.
Owners' priorities in the negotiations will include having the costs for building and operating stadiums recognized by the players and instituting a salary cap for rookies, Goodell said in a news conference at the NFL's annual meeting in Dana Point, Calif.
There is no timetable yet for when negotiations on a new CBA will begin. Goodell met with new NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith Friday for the first time.
The economy is hurting the league's revenue streams, and Goodell said the ramifications will have an effect on the negotiations. Money from sponsorships and licensing is down, and the league is concerned about the possibility for reduced ticket sales in 2009.
"The challenging times make it even more difficult," Goodell said. "But all that has done is accentuate the negatives of the current agreement.
"It's definitely hitting us on the revenue side, and meanwhile costs are going up."
The league is not going to consider lifting TV blackouts for games that do not sell out, said Goodell, who added that is a longstanding NFL policy he will not give up. But the league realizes fans and sponsors have less disposable income and will find ways to "create more value" for consumers.
"We're going to have to work harder, be more creative and respond to our fans' needs," Goodell said. "Not only this year but for a considerable time."
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...nference_N.htm