However, the NFL has promised an immediate appeal after US District Judge Susan Richard Nelson's judgement gave the players an early victory in their fight with the owners over how to divide the competition's US$9 billion annual turnover.
The plaintiffs "made a strong showing that allowing the League to continue their 'lockout' is presently inflicting, and will continue to inflict, irreparable harm upon them, particularly when weighed against the lack of any real injury that would be imposed on the NFL by issuing the preliminary injunction", Nelson wrote.
The NFL responded by stating: "We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labour disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans."
The NFL added: "We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal." DeMaurice Smith, the NFL Players' Association executive director, said: "I am happy for our players and for our fans. Today, those who love football are the winners."
Owners imposed the lockout after talks broke down in March and the players disbanded their union. A group of players filed the injunction request along with a class-action antitrust lawsuit against the NFL. If the appeals court upholds the injunction, the League will be forced to open its doors for the first time since the lockout began March 12.