NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith Says They Want New CBA To Run For Six Years

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith told Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com that he's seeking to negotiate a new CBA that runs for six years through the 2016 season.

Currently, the CBA is set to expire in March of 2011.

Recent reports have indicated the two sides are far apart from a deal but recently NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed optimism that something would get done.

“There will be an agreement at some point,” said Goodell, who is heading his first CBA negotiations since replacing retired commissioner Paul Tagliabue in 2006. “Everyone would like it sooner rather than later, whether it’s the players, the owners or the fans.

“It’s important for us all to get more productive dialogue. Sometimes, these things don’t happen until you get a little closer to the end (of the CBA). That’s just the reality.”

As for the NFLPA side, Smith again called for the league to open their financial books so the union knows exactly where they stand with respect to the need for a new CBA.

“We haven’t seen any financial information whatsoever that would suggest to us team profits are trending downward. Everything we’ve seen indicates to us team profits and revenues are trending upwards. Even if there was a down year this year for all 32 teams, it seems to me if they believe there is something functionally wrong with the operating business model, provide us with some shred of financial information that says teams are losing or not making enough money. Let that serve as the driver for fundamental change.”