DALLAS, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says football's changing business environment is a top issue to be addressed through negotiations with the players' union.
Appearing on "Fox News Sunday," Goodell said the league's owners are hopeful a new contract can be reached to avoid a lockout next season, however, the deal would have to jibe with their responsibility to keep their franchises financially sound.
"The way you continue to be a successful business is you don't wait for the car to go off the cliff," Goodell said. "You have to manage yourself and make sure you do it in the right way so you are not making decisions in crisis."
Among the specific issues cited by Goodell were stadium costs, spiraling rookie salaries and benefits for retired players.
"Revenue is not the only indicator," he said. "You have to watch the cost side of the business."
Goodell said the NFL Players Association had recognized in the past that economic issues existed despite its current enormous popularity.
