LAT: NFL Antitrust Q&A: What's going in labor conflict

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nfl-antitrust-case-20110403,0,4831322.story

An NFL behind-the-scenes look at the owners' and players' strategies, the antitrust lawsuit and what effect it all might have on the season

By Sam Farmer

April 2, 2011, 7:38 p.m.

Unable to decide how to divide $9.3 billion a year in revenue, NFL owners and players ended negotiations on March 11 and the NFLPA decertified, relinquishing its right to represent the players. The next day the owners locked out the players.

The players then filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the NFL, requesting an injunction that would keep the league from engaging in a lockout. The hearing for that case is scheduled for Wednesday in front of U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson in Minnesota.

A look at the NFL labor crisis heading into this key hearing:

The Basics

What's this about?

Money! Yes, there are ancillary issues — all money-related — about an 18-game regular season, retired players and safety of players, but the crux of the fight between the NFL and NFLPA is how to best divide the $9.3 billion in annual revenues the league generates. The NFL has never been more popular, judging by TV ratings, polls, etc.

Under the latest collective bargaining agreement, the arrangement was the owners would get a $1-billion credit off the top for expenses before the remainder was divided roughly 60%-40% in favor of the players.

The owners initially asked for the players to allow an additional $1 billion off the top for a total of $2 billion per year, before dividing the rest of the money. That demand was reportedly whittled to about $350 million per year. It's the owners' argument that they need that extra money to invest in the game and "grow the pie" with initiatives such as new stadiums, a team in Los Angeles, international play, new-media opportunities and the like.

What's behind 'Open your books'?

FULL story at link.