MINNEAPOLIS, June 28 (UPI) -- Talks resumed Monday in Minneapolis to end the NFL player lockout and reach a new collective bargaining agreement, multiple reports indicated.
The sessions were expected to last four days and initially included only NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and their staffs, the NFL Network reported.
The talks were focusing on key issues that have prevented an end to the 4 1/2-month-long lockout and a new labor deal, most notably the split of revenues between the teams and players, the broadcaster said.
ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported it's possible others -- such as team owners who participated in four previous "secret" negotiating sessions -- could join the talks later in the week.
The latest negotiating round came as a decision from the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the legality of the lockout was expected soon.
The three-judge panel is expected to issue on a decision on the NFL's appeal of a lower court ruling finding the lockout illegal under antitrust laws.
