LABOR STRIFE FORCES PRO LACROSSE LEAGUE TO CANCEL SEASON

While theater-goers are holding their breath, wondering whether or not there will be Broadway shows to attend next week, lacrosse fans across the United States and Canada already know what to expect in the months to come. Yesterday, the National Lacrosse League (NLL) announced that the 2008 season is cancelled due to the failure of the league to reach a collective-bargaining agreement with the union representing its players.

Announcing the cancellation, NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings stated:

We are deeply disappointed that the PLPA's executive committee rejected our proposal without permitting all of the players to vote on the league's final offer. The offer included annual raises for all players in each year of the contract. Our owners made the best offer they could make while maintaining a sound business model.

According to The Sports Network:

The NLL reportedly offered a three percent pay increase to the players and wanted a five-year contract. The PLPA offered a one-year proposal and wanted a luxury tax instead of the current salary cap system.

Remarked Jennings:

This marked the fourth time we have had to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement in the past seven years. Professional sports leagues cannot do business without the stability of a long-term collective bargaining agreement. We will use this year to improve not only our relationship with our players but to improve our overall business model.

A fledgling business, competing with major multi-billion dollar, international sports conglomerates for attention, publicity, advertising and other revenue. Hopefully the union's inflexibility hasn't killed an exciting entrepreneurial venture in its infancy. Check back in 2009, lacrosse fans.