Jones Says NFL Revenue-Sharing Will End When CBA Expires

Jones Says Revenue-Sharing Won't Be A Part Of New CBA

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Friday said that NFL revenue sharing will "go away" after the league's current CBA expires after the '10 season, according to Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Jones: "We're in the last year of our collective bargaining agreement next year, that's an uncapped year, and then you don't have it anymore right there. It goes away automatically right there. When the labor agreement is over, it will be over and when there's a new one in it won't be a part of it." Zulgad noted teams like the Cowboys this season have "played a large role in subsidizing the Vikings," who "generate the least revenue in the NFL from their home stadium." Jones said of the current model, "Eighty-five percent is far in excess of what any other leagues share. What we're talking about is above 85[%]. That's what is subsidizing this market right now is above 85[%]. That's going to stop. ... Right now (other NFL teams) are subsidizing this market. It's unthinkable to think that you've got the market you've got here, 3.5 million people, and have teams like Kansas City and Green Bay subsidizing this market. That will stop. That's going to stop" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/5). Jones added that he is "not going to take resources 'away from the Cowboys so that I can help the Vikings.'" In St. Paul, Sean Jensen noted Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf declined comment about Jones' comments, but said that ending revenue sharing would not make his "need for a new stadium more pressing." Meanwhile, Jones "challenged leaders in Minnesota to answer the call" for a new Vikings stadium. Jones: "It can't happen unless you've got real public leaders. They really do have to accept and recognize or educate their constituents on just how important it is to the growth of Minnesota." Jones added that he "would support a Super Bowl in Minnesota if the Vikings can get a new stadium" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 9/5).

STAND TO LOSE: In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman noted if Jones is "successful in his attempt to eliminate revenue-sharing in the NFL, the Vikings will be losing some $20[M] or so that they have received in each of the past three seasons and will get again this year." Meanwhile, Twins President Dave St. Peter said that he believes Target Field and the Univ. of Minnesota's new TCF Bank Stadium "will help the Vikings get a new stadium." St. Peter: "The fans are going to be so happy with the two new stadiums that they will want the Vikings to get a similar stadium. I'm convinced the effect of the new stadiums will be more important than some people think" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/6).