AFL Reaches Labor Deal
Published on December 10, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK - The Arena Football League and the Arena Football League Players Association (AFLPA) have solidified a long-term Collective Bargaining Agreement that will run through 2010, making it the longest and most far reaching in professional sports.
"This agreement is a true partnership and provides labor peace for our League into the next decade," said AFL Commissioner DAVID BAKER. "Both our teams and our players understand that a long-term labor agreement is essential to maximize the incredible opportunity we have with NBC."
Similar to the League's relationship with NBC, the new CBA creates a true partnership with the players and incentives them to help grow the League. The players made short-term economic concessions to allow teams financial flexibility in the early years of the agreement, but receive long-term equity in the form of a share of future expansion fees and a percentage of the increase in franchise values.
"The players are excited about this true partnership," said AFLPA executive director GENE UPSHAW. "This agreement affords the League the best possibility for success and growth. The players recognize that and will benefit from it."
Details of this unique agreement include:
* The CBA runs through 2010, making it the longest (eight seasons) and most far reaching in professional sports.
* The current labor agreement between the League and the AFLPA ran through 2006, but the AFLPA agreed to renegotiate four years before the end of the agreement.
* The players made short-term economic concessions to allow teams financial flexibility in the early years of the agreement. In return, the players receive long-term equity - a share of future expansion fees and a percentage of the increase in franchise values, similar to the NBC agreement.
* Following the 2003 season, players will become free agents automatically if they are not under contract.
The agreement is expected to ratified by the AFLPA in January. Each side can terminate the agreement after the 2006 season as long as they give notice to the other side by the end of the 2005 season.
About Arena Football
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League kicks off its 17th season and first on NBC beginning on Sunday, February 2, 2003. NBC will provide the AFL with unprecedented exposure by televising up to 70 games, including all playoff contests and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22.
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