CBA negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA resumed today in N.Y., but the "first two days are designated for work done by both sides' lawyers, primarily on the language of a potential agreement." Sources on both sides "continue to maintain that there remains significant work to be completed after negotiations almost disintegrated last week before 'getting back on track.'" NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith are expected to rejoin the talks Thursday and Friday, along with the rest of the lead negotiating teams (ESPN.com, 7/5).
Sources said that owners and players are "getting closer when it comes to agreeing on the division of revenue," an issue that is "considered a domino that must fall for a deal to get done." Goodell, Smith and their "colleagues and constituents all appeared in good spirits Friday" as they left the office building where talks were taking place (ESPN.com, 7/5). The two sides are "closer to an agreement than many people realize – perhaps than even some of the people involved realize" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/5).
