The National Lacrosse League yesterday announced that it has come to terms on a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Lacrosse Players Association.

"This will protect us from the work stoppages that have plagued other professional sports," commissioner Jim Jennings said yesterday during his monthly state-of-the-league conference call with reporters.

Speaking on behalf of the union, PLPA President Peter Schmitz said, "The NLL players are pleased with the new contract, and we believe this agreement puts us in excellent position for the league’s future expansion and continued growth. The partnership between the league and the PLPA is strong."

"With three new markets in the league this year [Ottawa, Washington, and Columbus]," Schmitz added, "the players had to show a willingness to work with the league."

Most of the terms of the agreement were not disclosed. However, the PLPA has released on its web site the new language regarding free agency.

Players retain the right to free agency in the case of a three-year veteran holding out for an entire season, offered less pay than in the preceding season, or not paid at least the league-wide average. However, this is now restricted free agency, with the original team having the right to match any offer to the player.

An unrestricted free agency class has also been introduced. All six-year veterans who are at least 32 years of age will be allowed to sign with any NLL team, with no compensation to teams which lose players through this system. Teams, though, may designate two potential free agents each year as "Franchise Players." These players are not eligible for free agency, but must be offered ten percent more than the maximum compensation they would otherwise be entitled to receive through the collective bargaining agreement.