For the third time in only two years, another league is in labor negotiations. That's right hockey fans, it's your turn to witness the "fun" and "never ending" reality series of "Commissioner vs. Players Union". And just like the previous editions, fans don't get vote the winner. How's that for reality?
Hopefully, the NHL can avoid a lockout. But with 3 weeks until the CBA expires and both sides far apart, the danger of that happening seems to be inevitable. The only rational thing to do in the mean time is hope and pray that both parties can agree to terms ASAP.
According to an Associated Press report, the NHLPA has proposed that the players are willing to surrender $465 million in revenue if the league continues to grow at an average rate. NHLPA Chief Donald Fehr stated that the number is expected to grow to $800 million if the league continues at the same rate it has the past two years. And as usual, the issue of revenue sharing with smaller market teams has been brought up. So what's the hold up?
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman offered the union a 5 year cap on contracts under the new CBA in July. Which supposedly would be a huge decrease in the players share. The counter offer: a 3 year deal with an option for a 4th year. According to Fehr, the players would accept lower shares for the first three years and revert back to the current terms in the fourth year. Currently the players receive between 54 and 57 percent. Of course that was August 14th.
As of August 23rd, the AP reports that the standoff still remains. The current CBA has increased the NHL from $2.1 billion to a $3.3 billion dollar industry. So here's the situation the league's proposal, the impact on the salary cap would fall by $50.8 million while the union see the number as $69.8 million.
Here's the thing, the NHL could be heading for a lockout at this rate. Just like the NFL and NBA before, when both sides have had time to work out a deal and are hoping for an 11th hour miracle to save a season, the outlook is looking doubtful. There's still a chance for an agreement. Just don't hold your breath.
If you call recall when the 2004-05 season was cancelled for almost the same reason, you would remember that Bettman was the commissioner. Since both sides are talking, there is a possibility that this season can be salvaged. But given the fact that the CBA expiring so late in the offseason could bring those memories back for a second go around.
The NFL lockout lasted 130 days and did not miss any significant time. However the NBA players were locked out 161 days and can't. The 2004-05 NHL strike lasted 309 days. Of course Bob Goodenow isn't at the negotiating table anymore, so there is a possible silver lining.
All that can be said at this point in the game is that, whatever happens...happens. In the mean time, the MLB postseason race is heating up. Football season is on its way and can't wait to see what this upcoming basketball is going to bring.
That is, unless you like waiting. Then just stay tuned to see if the next episode of "Commissioner vs. Players Union". Will Bettman and Fehr actually agree before the deadline??? Or maybe they will extend the deadline?? Or will there be a third strike? You'll never know what could happen. Or do you?
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