Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Football Is Back: NFL, Players Union Agree On Deal To End Lockout
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 25, 2011
Modified Jul 25, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 25, 2011
Modified Jul 25, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
After four-and-a-half months of disagreement, the NFL and the NFL Players Association have ended the lockout that would have prevented the 2011-2012 football season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "This is a long time coming, and football's back, and that's the great news for everybody," while NFLPA president DeMaurice Smith said, "We didn't get everything that either side wanted ... but we did arrive at a deal that we think is fair and balanced."
According to the Daily News, "The sides put the finishing touches on a settlement for the antitrust lawsuit, which paves the way for a new collective bargaining agreement and the end of the lockout. The 32 player representatives were walked through the program in a two-and-a-half hour conference call, and then voted unanimously to approve that deal Monday afternoon." The deal is for 10 years, without an opt-out clause. Issues had included revenue sharing and rookie wages; the AP reports, "That included how the more than $9 billion in annual league revenues will be divided (about 53 percent to owners and 47 percent to players over the next decade; the old CBA resulted in nearly a 50-50 split); a per-club cap of about $120 million for salary and bonuses in 2011 — and at least that in 2012 and 2013 — plus about $22 million for benefits; a salary system to rein in spending on first-round draft picks; and unrestricted free agency for most players after four seasons."
Now teams can get back to work, with players reporting tomorrow. The NFL will issue a list of free agents today and teams can sign draft picks tomorrow, though no players can officially sign until Friday. The Jets, for what it's worth, will be paying employees lost wages.
Tagged
football
nfl
nfl players union
sports
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Peepapalooza: NYC is heading to the Hudson Valley to watch the leaves
Don't be surprised if you run into someone from your building in Beacon.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
Sean Carlson
Published Oct 24, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. ET
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.
By
Ryan Kost
News
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.
By
Ryan Kost
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
By
Michael Sol Warren
5 men charged with trespassing in 2 Manhattan manhole cases
By
Charles Lane
6-year-old girl breaks leg after getting hit by falling bricks in Queens
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .