Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., has urged NFL owners to share financial information with the players union. The Senator believes the action will lead to a resolution of the league’s labor dispute. The NFL says the players already have access to the information they need. Rockefeller is calling for a review of the financial data by a neutral third party.

Thus far, the two sides have been unable to agree on a fair distribution of the league’s $9 billion annual revenues. The owners argue that they must have a larger share of the money to finance expenses such as stadium construction. If terms cannot be reached the union is expecting a lockout.

All professional sports, including the NFL, enjoy an exemption from antitrust laws in regards to negotiating broadcasting contracts. While he is in encouraging a settlement, Rockefeller said through a spokesman that all options are being kept open.