NFL Owners To Receive Update On Work Stoppage, Licensing Deals

NFL owners meeting in Chicago today are expected to receive a briefing on plans in the event of a work stoppage next year, as well as sweeping changes to how the league sells apparel licensing. The league is breaking up the licensing deal Reebok currently holds into different pieces, with Nike poised to take the biggest one – on-field uniform rights. Reebok’s deal expires at the end of the '11 season.

The owners also will get an update on moves the league will take in the event of a work stoppage next year, including staff reductions and salary cuts. A source said there is a definite chance of a lockout beginning in March when the current labor deal expires, but this source was unsure if games would be lost. The meeting also serves as the first for new Rams Owner Stan Kroenke.