The NLL has "made strides this off-season," but now the start of the regular season in December is in "jeopardy, with the league’s players and owners battling" over their CBA, according to Steve Ewen of the VANCOUVER SUN. The Canucks took over control of the Vancouver Stealth, which was "crucial for the NLL" as the Stealth "weren’t connecting, drawing 3,507 fans per game last year in a league that averaged 9,411." The NLL has also "brought on board" the Flyers as owners of the expansion Philadelphia Wings, and Alibaba Exec Vice Chair Joe Tsai as owner of the expansion San Diego Seals. The Professional Lacrosse Players’ Association released a statement last week that "tagged bargaining negotiations as 'far apart,' and stated that the owners have set a deadline of next Friday for an agreement to be reached." The statement also said that players "won’t be attending training camps until there is a CBA completed." With the Canucks, Flyers and Tsai now in the fold, one can "fathom the players and owners want to establish their boundaries and set a tone for the league’s new normal." Fans are hoping that the sides "aren’t trying to play hardball with each other when there is still a large portion of the population that isn’t overly familiar with the game, and you are getting some people on board who could help change that" (VANCOUVER SUN, 10/24).
OVER-THE-AIRWAVES: The Premier Lacrosse League signed a broadcast deal with NBC Sports, and league Founder Paul Rabil said TV is "still the Holy Grail" of sports consumption because it "validates your product." There is a "sophisticated production element" to TV broadcasts, but that "doesn't mean digital isn't something we love and embrace." PLL CEO Mike Rabil said, "We stand for the players. As proof of that, we're not only increasing the amount of money they're making at the current professional league when they start to play with us, but we're also giving them healthcare benefits and equity in the league." He also noted the PLL feels players are the "most important asset" and thinks that is a "trend of where pro sports will be moving." Mike Rabil: "When you build a business, you reward the people that are important," (FACEBOOK.com, 10/23).
