For the past few months, the NBA and its players knew the deadline and understood the stakes. If they didn’t get a deal done beforehand, then they would have to brace for a long lockout. They knew there was an excellent chance the season would be threatened.
And yet … nothing. They couldn’t capitalize on the increased interest of this past season. What does that tell you? Both sides will hold firm to their stances, especially the owners. If neither side could agree to make adjustments, then it’s reasonable to believe there will be some strong changes when this gets done.
There is incentive — and much more public pressure — for the NFL to get a deal done. Indeed, there’s real optimism. Like the NBA, there was posturing before the initial deadline. But unlike the NBA, the NFL’s debate is about splitting unreal revenues. The NBA’s issue is about a majority of teams losing money. So the talk of losing many games this season is real.
