Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the NFL and NFLPA have had two negotiating sessions centered around extending the current collective bargaining agreement.
According to Rapoport, the two talks have been described to him by multiple sources as “cordial” and “amicable” and there is some optimism at the possibility of extending the deal without a lockout.
Rapoport admits that it’s early in the process and while a deal could be reached before the start of the 2019 season, “negotiations would have to ramp up considerably.” Instead, Rapoport seems to think it’s more likely a deal is in place next spring, which would be a year away from the CBA expiration.
One source tells Rapoport that there are disagreements between the two parties, but also: “Nothing that would make it blow up.”
Some of the key issues to watch in this round of negotiations, per Rapoport, include stadium credits for owners and the expiring Direct TV contract.
On Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that there have been two formal sessions and called them “direct and open” and “respectful and thoughtful.” Goodell also said they would like to reach a deal soon: “I do hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
We’ll have more regarding CBA talks as the news is available.
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