NHL-League says union's counter offer takes 'a step backward'

TORONTO, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Labor talks between the National Hockey League (NHL) and locked-out players broke off on Thursday with the two sides no closer to resolving their differences on key economic issues, putting hopes for a full 82-game season in serious doubt.

The NHL, which presented a six-year deal earlier this week that proposed an equal split of hockey-related revenue with the players, said the union discussed three different offers on Thursday that all failed to approach a 50-50 split.

"I am concerned, based on the proposal that was made today, that things are not progressing," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters. "To the contrary, I view the proposal made by the players' association a step backward."

The proposal offered by the NHL, which is looking to cut the players' share of revenue from the 57 percent they got under the previous deal that expired a month ago, is contingent on an 82-game regular season starting on Nov. 2.

The players' union did not reveal details of the offer it presented to the NHL after a meeting in Toronto that lasted several hours.

The dispute over how to split the NHL's $3.3 billion revenue pie represents the league's fourth work stoppage in 20 years and first since a 310-day lockout wiped out the 2004-05 season.

The current lockout, which has already cost the league about $250 million in lost revenue after it canceled the preseason and the Oct. 11-24 block of regular season games, could soon force the NHL to scrap another piece of the schedule.

Bettman, who called the NHL's latest offer a "best shot" deal to offer long-term stability for the league and its 30 franchises, said a signed deal is needed by Oct. 25 to ensure a full season is played.

"We indicated that we are prepared to have discussions, that we are prepared to look for tweaks or adjustments, but this is the deal that we believe this league needs to get the games going," said Bettman.

"But the longer this goes, and particularly if we are not in a position to have an 82-game regular season, damage may in fact make it even more difficult as time goes on to make a deal." (Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Julian Linden)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nhl-league-says-unions-counter-offer-takes-step-205728748--nhl.html

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