NHL Begins Lockout

The National Hockey League has locked out its players for the fourth time since 1992.

Unable to reach agreement on a new labor deal, the league shut out its players Sept. 16. It is the third major pro sport to impose a work stoppage in the last 18 months.

The core issue is how to split a $3.3 billion pot of revenue. The owners want to decrease the percentage of hockey-related revenue that goes to players, while the union wants a guarantee that players annually get at least the $1.8 billion in salaries paid out last season.

“We talked with the union this morning, and in light of the fact that they have nothing new to offer, or any substantive response to our last proposal, there would be nothing gained by convening a bargaining session at this time,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said prior to the lockout. “I’m sure that we will remain in contact in the coming days.”