Rugby league players have joined cricketers in lauding the AFL's new pay deal as evidence a revenue-sharing agreement can be struck.
The Australian sporting landscape on Tuesday observed the AFL announce a six-year, $1.84-billion deal which features an immediate 20 per cent pay increase for players this year.
And for the first time, players' wages are tied to industry revenue.
Players will receive 28 per cent of AFL revenues and 11.2 per cent of club revenues above forecasts.
The details were a sight for the Rugby League Players Association's (RLPA) sore eyes as they fight a pay war with the NRL and clubs which has prompted some stars to entertain striking.
The key issue in these negotiations also revolves around the players' push for a revenue-sharing model, believed to be guaranteed at 29 per cent, while the NRL is understood to prefer a fixed model.
"To its credit, the AFL has embraced this model and we are hopeful the NRL comes to a similar position in the coming weeks," RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The partnership model we are pursuing is premised on the idea that players' financial fortunes are tied to that of the game.
"The common theme running through these agreements is that the code's governing body is being asked to treat their players as partners rather than just employees."
Perhaps in an even more precarious situation, due to a June 30 deadline for agreement, is Australian cricket as neither players nor the governing body back down.
Such is the stalemate, Cricket Australia vice-captain David Warner has warned the Ashes could be in doubt.
Share
