The labor contract was to run through the 2012 season, but in 2006 a deal was cut that allowed the owners to shorten the agreement by up to two years. The owners, acting at their meeting Tuesday in Atlanta, decided to end the deal after the 2010 season, saying they need a new agreement in regards to the percentage of revenues that go to players.

The next two seasons will be played with teams under salary caps but if a new deal isn't completed by next March, the 2010 campaign will be an uncapped year that also limits free agency.

The owners said they will continue negotiations for a new deal that will work better for both the clubs and players.

While admitting "the NFL earns very substantial revenues," the league statement said half the revenues go to "player costs" at a time when teams also "must spend significant and growing amounts on stadium construction, operations and improvements to respond to the interests and demands of our fans."