NFL Special Master Stephen Burbank ruled on Tuesday that the NFL can have access to 2011 TV revenue, to the consternation of the NFLPA.
The so-called “lockout insurance” case was raised by the union, who argued that guaranteeing ongoing payment in the event of a work stoppage violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The league quickly announced the decision as a victory on Twitter. With that said, they stressed in a media session last month that they will ultimately have to pay back the television contract money with interest if games are missed.
NFL chief negotiator Jeff Pash compared the money to a home equity line of credit.
While the NFLPA is sure to appeal the ruling, it’s a line of credit that the league now can expect to receive, if games ultimately are canceled.