The lockout sucks. No denying that. Hopefully the owners and NFLPA work something out soon. Many think the prospect of lost revenue will force owner concessions sooner or later. But I wouldn't be so sure. Matthew Futterman (Wall Street Journal) had this to say today:
As National Football League team owners and the players union dig in for a potentially lengthy legal battle, NFL officials said owners have already set aside enough money to cover them in case the 2011 season is canceled.
In addition, NFL officials said there isn't an immediate financial threat from the $4 billion in television-rights revenue that may be withheld because of a recent legal ruling. According to the owners' plans, they only would need that money if the labor strife drags on to the 2012 season.
The window into the NFL's finances and the revelation that the NFL had planned to set aside emergency funds to last two seasons, provided by two officials with direct knowledge of the league's budget, came as the league and its players union begin a legal battle that will test their wills—and cash reserves.
These are - for the most part - successful businessmen/women we're talking about. They didn't make their millions by not having a Plan B. And while many NFLers probably have some scratch lying around for a rainy day, it's hard to imagine a scenario where they could literally outlast the management. If you're Al Davis, then you generally stick around for decades. NFLers don't have decades. Personally this makes me dislike the owners even more than I already did. Curious what y'all think.
Discuss.