I would like to try and rebut another argument I have heard to the effect that the league should not open its books. It reflects the league's "compromise" offer to provide the players with some financial information on the league. I have heard some say that the players should compromise this and accept the lesser offer of the owners. The theory is that this would be compromise.
The reason I disagree with this is these teams opening their books would not be an end for the players. It would be a means to an end. The players do not want the owners to open their books as part of any deal. They want to see the books to better understand the parameters a reasonable deal would entail. The owners claim the current system is broken. The players want verification, as much information as possible. They do not simply want to take their word for it.
I think they have a point.