[sundaeofshock]

It's not a love of the free-market that drives these conversations; it's a hatred of exploitive capitalism. Ultimately, the players are source of all the league's revenue, yet the have to split that money with the owners (who contribute almost nothing to the day-to-day revenue stream).

The players also have a strong union, which negotiates a number of protections for the players, from minimum salaries to safe work conditions, while allowing for higher compensation for key players.

So it is very reasonable for those of us on the left to be against the extreme labor exploitation represented by the salary cap.

[toomuchtodo]

Can players own a team instead of the traditional owner model?

[sundaeofshock]

Theoretically it's possible. Realistically no. The leagues vote on team ownership transfers, and they are unlikely to allow a sale that upsets their apple cart. Which is why only one team (Green Bay Packers) out of the big three sports is owned by a government body.