NFL players got 53 percent of incremental increase

Figures obtained by The Associated Press underscore the substantial divide between the NFL and the locked-out players on a core issue: What portion of additional revenue goes to players.

Players' share of incremental increases to all revenues under the NFL's expired contract was about 53 percent from 2006-09, according to calculations by the accounting firm that audited the collective bargaining agreement for both sides.

The NFL says 70 percent of extra revenue went to players, a main justification for changing the sport's economic system. The league's numbers exclude the portion of revenues - about $1 billion a year - taken off the top for owners to spend on expenses.