JUMP TO:
If “Game 7” represents the greatest two words in sports, “lockout” may be one of the worst.
Throughout history, lockouts have represented fractured negotiations between leagues and the labor unions that represent the players. As a result, games — and seasons — are sometimes lost.
Lockouts have sometimes been necessary for the advancement of player treatment in sports, but it is often to the fans’ temporary detriment. Here is an in-depth look at the history of lockouts in the sports world, including what they mean for leagues, teams, players and fans.
MORE: Why there is a threat of a WNBA work stoppage in 2026
What is a lockout in sports?
Lockout definition
A lockout is the shutdown of a professional sports league by the league’s team owners. These shutdowns stem from labor issues between the league and its players’ union.
Why lockouts happen in sports
Lockouts are almost always a result of the league’s inability to agree on a collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union.
These collective bargaining agreements are the foundation of the league’s relationship with its players. The agreement includes, but is not limited to, player compensation, day-to-day policies, retirement plans, and more.
MORE: A complete history of strikes and lockouts in MLB
Differences between a lockout and strike?
The differences between a lockout and a strike stem from how the work stoppage begins.
A lockout is the shutdown of a professional sports league by franchise owners. This shutdown is typically a result of the league and its players failing to reach a collective bargaining agreement.
A strike originates from the players. Due to frustration with any aspect of their professional situations, players strike and refuse to offer their services, which, in this case, would be participating in practices and playing in games.
MORE: What are the most valuable franchises in the NFL?
What happens during a lockout?
During a lockout, owners close facilities and prohibit team activities. This means that games, and potentially seasons, are lost.
What was the longest sports lockout ever?
The longest sports lockout was the 2004-05 NHL lockout, which lasted 10 months and six days. The lockout began on Sept. 16, 2004, an agreement was reached on July 13, 2005, and the new Collective Bargaining Agreement was signed on July 22.
Because the NHL and NHLPA could not reach a new CBA, the 2004-05 season was cancelled on Feb. 16, 2005.
MORE: Explaining everything to know about the NFL’s personal conduct policy
How does a lockout end?
A lockout ends when the league and its players’ association agree upon and sign a collective bargaining agreement.
Biggest lockouts in sports history
NFL (2011)
The NFL has had five player strikes, but the lone lockout came in 2011. Owners imposed a lockout on March 12, 2011, and it did not get resolved until July 25, 2011. Free agency and training camp were impacted, and the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game was cancelled.
MORE: Where is the NFL Hall of Fame Game played every year?
NBA (1998-99)
The 1998-99 NBA lockout lasted 191 days, beginning on July 1, 1998 and ending on Jan. 20, 1999. As a result, the 1999 NBA season began in February and was shortened to 50 games.
MLB (2021-22)
There have been multiple lengthy strikes in MLB, but the longest lockout began on Dec. 2, 2021. The lockout lasted three months and eight days before ending on March 10, 2022. As a result, spring training was shortened and Opening Day was postponed by a week.
NHL (2004-05)
The 2004-05 NHL lockout lasted 319 days, from Sept. 16, 2004 to July 22, 2005. The entire 2004-05 season was cancelled as a result.
MORE: A comprehensive look at how NHL games work
Lockouts in sports FAQs
Do teams still pay players during a lockout?
During a lockout, teams do not pay players their base salaries because they are not playing.
Can players sign with other leagues?
Yes, players can and have signed with other leagues during lockouts.
Are season tickets refunded to fans during a lockout?
During a lockout, season tickets are typically refunded if games are canceled and not rescheduled.
Has a season ever been canceled because of a lockout?
Yes, the 2004-05 NHL season was canceled because of a lockout.
What was the shortest lockout ever?
The 1996 NBA lockout took place on July 10, 1996 and lasted for a few hours before an agreement was reached.
Which league has had the most lockouts?
The NBA and MLB have each had four lockouts.
MORE: All-time list of perfect games in MLB history
