NLL Season Canceled

[Rob Graff]

I still believe there is hope. Sources have told me some team managers have contacted a few high-profile players and advised that the PLPA was standing in the way of a deal. While I find it upsetting that it looks like an attempt to divide the players, at least it seems to indicate that the door of opportunity is still not closed

fromhttp://www.insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm?pagerid=66384&author=130806&blog=170476

If the PLPA is an approved union orginization, I have a vague recollection that such conduct that is described might violate certain labor laws. But since I dont' practice labor law, and the last course I took in it was over 18 years ago, I'm certainly not positive.

[onpoint]

Story not over yet apparently . . .

Monday night, reliable sources told me that there was contact and discussions between the two sides in the last 24 hours and a new proposal is on the table.

http://www.insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm? ... yid=170579

It really would be bad for the sport for the lockout to happen, no matter what your stance on box vs. field lacrosse is. Here's hoping they get it hammered out.

[Rob Graff]

Back ON?
See inside lax front page.

[Troy Hood]

It looks like they'll be able to get something hammered out for this season. As Alex mentioned earlier, canceling the season would be a huge mistake for the development of the game.

In my opinion, both sides have much to lose without having much to gain at this point. The PLPA needs a strong NLL in order to realize more competitive salaries. More competitive salaries come from stronger gate receipts and a television deal. The television deal is gone for this season; and I'm sure the events of the last few days have not enamored fans to their cause.

The NLL needs the PLPA to ensure the quality of their product on the floor. They, too, can realize significant growth at this stage of the growth of the entire game of lacrosse. A new team in Boston is a great next step for the league. However, expansion under a diluted talent pool won't help the growth of the game. Marketing can only do so much.

As a fan of the NLL (MILL) since 1989 (GO TURBOS!!), I hope that both sides are able to reach an agreement soon so the 08 season can proceed. Let's keep things moving forward!

[Sonny]

Regardless if the NLL comes back for this season, Boston apparently won't field a team.

[Rob Graff]

Labor Peace Reached.

(Players knuckle under??? I'm interested in seeing the deal's specifics)

NLL, PLPA reach seven-year collective bargaining agreement

The National Lacrosse League has announced the reaching of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Professional Lacrosse Player's Association. The agreement is a seven-year term that begins in 2008 and run through the 2014 season. The agreement marks the longest labor deal in the 22-year history of professional indoor lacrosse. The league's previous three-year agreement with the PLPA expired following the 2007 season.

"Reaching a long-term collective bargaining agreement with the players was our number one priority in this process", said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings. "We've been building positive growth in the league over the past few years. Securing long-term labor peace puts us in a position to take our league to the next level."

The agreement also means that professional indoor lacrosse will be played in 2008. When a new CBA had not reached by the league's deadline last week, the 2008 season was canceled. A new schedule for the 2008 National Lacrosse League season is expected to be announced next week.

[Adam Gamradt]

Some details on Startribune.com

"The NLL and the union agreed to a seven-year deal that runs through the 2014 season. Either can opt out after five years."

"But fan response moved owners to authorize him to reopen negotiations. The sides agreed to a 5 percent increase in the maximum veteran and franchise player salaries to $22,358 and $27,948, respectively, and a 6 percent increase for all others."

[TheBearcatHimself]

This is a great thing if this turns out to be fixed, being able to go back and save a season will greatly influence sponsors to stay and fans to remain interested.

In Portland, OR the LumberJax have filled an interesting little sports niche where they get plenty of passionate fans to the Rose Garden for every game and even get stories on the news for all their games. It would be a shame for those who love lacrosse out here to see the damage that a canceled season would do. It would certainly set the game back perception-wise at least 5-10 years. Most fans would probably just be confused that it was gone and not care why and then focus on some other sport like swimming or archery, who knows.