NFL may be able to weather 2-year lockout...

[madinmaryland]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- National Football League owners will continue to generate much of their revenue in 2011, even if next season's games are cancelled due to a labor dispute, according to a note Monday by rating agency Standard & Poor's.

In fact, some teams may be able to survive two years without any games being played, according to S&P, which said it has confidential debt ratings on various stadium bonds for facilities used by NFL teams and also tracks teams' finances.

If there is a work stoppage, the owners will have to pay most of the money they receive in 2011 back with interest once games resume.

But the continued flow of money from television networks, sponsors and some customers during a possible lockout puts the owners in good position to weather a potential canceled season.

Read more: http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/28/news/companies/nfl_lockout_debt_ratings/index.htm?eref=sihp

If they cancel 2 season, the XFL and the Arena League will make serious comebacks.

[trotsky]

1. All bluster from the owners.

I think they've known all along they are in a very weak position - that's why you have seen so many trial balloons floated out there. 18 game season. We can weather 2 years. Blah blah. Posturing and grandstanding. Hopefully the union stands strong.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. I Agree And Disagree

I don't believe any organization this large can sustain 2 years of inactivity. There is absolutely no business precedent for such a long period of dormancy.

I only disagree with your last sentence, though, because i honestly don't see the NFLPA as a union. Just a fundamental difference in definition i guess.

To me, they're a loose guild of independent contractors, so i don't support them either.

In this case, it's a matter of having two sides, neither of which i can root for.
GAC

[Poiuyt]

3. Sure. And the fans will come back as if nothing ever happened.

I still haven't been able to generate any interest for baseball.

[joeybee12]

5. What? Didn't all the homeruns do it for you? that's why Selig

let the steroids run rampant...gee, he'll be disappointed that it didn't work!

[Auggie]

6. What would the closest MLB home team if you did?

[Poiuyt]

9. Would you care to rephrase that?

[Auggie]

10. Typo

What is the MLB franchise closest to you where you live?

[Poiuyt]

11. Brewers

Yeah, I know. Not terribly exciting anyway.

[Auggie]

12. That's what I wondered

Brewers should improve this year. But that's moot since you're not a fan.

[Auggie]

4. I'd expect NCAA football to pick up viewers too

[madinmaryland]

8. Yeap. The NCAA will definately pick up, and maybe they actually start showing

some Div. III.

:woohoo:

[KamaAina]

7. Maybe ESPN could start showing the CFL again

Roughriders!

[rocktivity]

13. Well, doesn't that bolster the the players' contention

that the owners are taking in so much money they AREN'T giving the players a fair share?

:crazy:
rocktivity

[fishwax]

14. good point n/t