for display only
Big Blue Interactive The Corner Forum  
Back to the Corner

Archived Thread

Understanding the CBA Process

djstat : 2/21/2020 10:00 am
It is mind blowing how dumb many comments are on social media about the proposed CBA.

"Owners are leaking everything that looks good for players."

Actually the NFLPA released the key points. Owners released a statement saying they agreed to a negotiated proposal with a couple of high level points, but out of respect for the NFLPA had no further comment.

-"Players need to STRIKE so they can get a better deal." -

The current CBA prevents a strike or a lockout while the CBA has not expired.

- "Keep 16 games".

Most people love the current format. But the players and owners all want more money. Only way to do that is more product.

- "players need to hold out for an even 50/50 split." -

This sounds nice in theory, but is something the owners will not agree to. The owners have to completely run their organizations with their revenue pieces. That includes team facilities, coaches, scouts, front office, stadiums, travel/transportation, equipment just to name a few. Prior to 2011, the players and owners split revenues 50/50 after $1 Billion was taken off the top as an ownership credit. Players refused that. By refusing it, 2011, 2012, 2013 saw flat caps, with cap less than or equal to the 2009 cap. The players agreed to a worse deal then the first one offered.

- "Let the CBA expire and get a better deal"

This one makes no sense. The TV contracts expire and the networks are not going to agree to multi billion TV deals (starting in 2022) if a work stoppage could happen in 2021. A work stoppage and missed games in 2021 could impact the leagues popularity and REVENUES. Also, the economy is at an all time high right now. What if a recession occurs over the next 12 months? Both sides are smart to try and strike while the iron is hot.

"The players got hosed last time"

How did they get hosed? They turned down a richer deal and accepted a deal that gave them less money. That is not getting hosed, it was a bad strategy that chose.

"The players don't like it. (JJ WATT, Dick Sherman)

- The deal benefits the majority of players. Probably does not "benefit" the superstars. That said, the retirement benefits are amazing.

Overall, a deal was negotiated between owners and players. You cannot get everything you want. Players are getting a ton. Owners are getting a 17th week. It is called compromise.






It's important to point at that it was negotiated between owners  
RDJR : 2/21/2020 10:07 am : link
representatives and players representatives. All of the owners then met and approved (although apparently not unanimously) the proposal. The player reps of each team have a conference call today to determine whether or not to put the proposal to the rank and file for a vote.

I agree compromise is part of the art of negotiations, but the owners' desire to resolve this quickly would raise my eyebrows if I was a player. They want to renegotiate their television deals now before technology passes them by and the networks are not as relevant as they are now.

The players have more leverage then they realize and should use that as best they can.
The only people getting hosed is the fans  
Chip : 2/21/2020 10:26 am : link
with these ticket prices let alone the cost of PSLs. It is very hard to feel sorry for either side. 20 somethings making millions and a minimum salary of a 1/2 million. The agreement sounds quite reasonable to me and I like the extra wild card game.
RE: The only people getting hosed is the fans  
djstat : 2/21/2020 10:33 am : link
In comment 14815410 Chip said:
Quote:
with these ticket prices let alone the cost of PSLs. It is very hard to feel sorry for either side. 20 somethings making millions and a minimum salary of a 1/2 million. The agreement sounds quite reasonable to me and I like the extra wild card game.
Agreed
RE: It's important to point at that it was negotiated between owners  
jvm52106 : 2/21/2020 11:09 am : link
In comment 14815395 RDJR said:
Quote:
representatives and players representatives. All of the owners then met and approved (although apparently not unanimously) the proposal. The player reps of each team have a conference call today to determine whether or not to put the proposal to the rank and file for a vote.

I agree compromise is part of the art of negotiations, but the owners' desire to resolve this quickly would raise my eyebrows if I was a player. They want to renegotiate their television deals now before technology passes them by and the networks are not as relevant as they are now.

The players have more leverage then they realize and should use that as best they can.


Actually, there are a number of very specific reasons why it is their (both owners and players) best interest to get this done now.

#1- Upcoming Presidential Election. With no idea on how that will turn out and what possible changes could come with it, it makes sense to have the agreement in place now.

#2- Probably more importantly is the upcoming TV Broadcast negotiations. This one is a big one as a solid work agreement between owners and players puts the league in a much better position to negotiate the deals they want. If there is a potential for troubles and work stoppages then deals might have riders or contingencies that they league doesn't want to deal with.

#3- The popularity of league is probably at its zenith if not coming down the backside some and any possible negativity could hurt that immensely.

It sure looks like a win win overall and if it does get held up on the players side it will be the UPPER half that kills the deal at the detriment of the mid and lower half of the leagues players.
Back to the Corner