Will the new CBA (2011) possibly alter existing contracts?

[golfer2]

Many superstar players will be FA's this summer 2010 and will sign maximum contracts - probably for 4 to 6 years.

Are those contracts "untouchable"? Can the dollar amounts and/or the number of years be reduced ?

[Three34]

Who knows? But historically, existing contracts tend to be grandfathered in, even if they don't obey by the new CBA's rules.

[golfer2]

Who knows? But historically, existing contracts tend to be grandfathered in, even if they don't obey by the new CBA's rules.

Thanks - that's what I thought it would be. But, as you said: "who knows".

[FGump]

Previously signed contracts that pre-date the CBA are obviously "touchable" - hence the need for grandfathering provisions. And whereas in prior negotiations it's all been about setting the terms for yet-to-be-signed deals, this time the league has been making noise about a need to include ongoing contracts in the discussion as well.

What actually happens will be a matter of negotiation, but it looks like the issue will be on the table this time.

[d-train]

The terms of the CBA can especially affect teams and players when the player’s contract ends the same time as the CBA. This is because some of the teams bargaining power to retain players under contract are from the CBA rather than individual player contracts. An example is teams that have rookies from the 2007 draft. The rules regarding RFA and QO’s could drastically affect the bargaining position of teams with those players coming out of their rookie contracts.