NFL owners to meet Thursday and discuss labor negotiations

 NFL owners will meet Thursday in Manhattan to discuss ongoing negotiations with players’ association about a new collective bargaining agreement. Recent talks have brought both sides closer to a potential agreement a year before current 10-year deal expires. Having 32 team owners toger for a previously unscheduled forum — next scheduled owners meeting is t until end of March in Florida — appears to be a sign of substantial progress.

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league has proposed a 17-game regular season as part of a new contract. A trade-off to get that likely would include more roster spots as well as a larger percent of revenues going to players. re have also been discussions about reducing preseason. An extra bye week during regular season also is a possibility.

Although re would seem to be plenty of time to get a new deal done, NFL’s business season starts March 18, when free ncy begins. Getting a CBA before n would allow league to turn attention to furr broadcast and digital contracts and international initiatives. NFL Players Association has scheduled a conference call for Friday. combine is next week in Indianapolis, where both sides conceivably could continue talks or, for brightest optimists, secure an agreement.

current deal was reached in summer of 2011 after a lockout that began in mid-March. games were lost except Hall of Fame’s preseason opener.

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