NFL to offer full refunds if lockout cancels games

The NFL will offer full refunds to fans with general admission tickets if games are canceled next season because of a lockout.

Each team will determine its policies for club seats, suites and payments for personal seat licenses, the league said Tuesday.

Season ticket holders can choose to receive a refund or credits toward future games. Fans with individual game tickets can receive a refund or exchange the tickets for future games, with some restrictions.

Refunds will be paid within 30 days once the NFL determines how many games will be played in 2011.

The current collective bargaining agreement expires in March, raising fears that a lockout may disrupt at least part of the preseason and regular season.

''We are working hard to secure an agreement with the union that is fair and forward-thinking to ensure our game is sound and strong well into the future,'' Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. ''We know we will reach an agreement at some point. We all want football without interruption, but our fans are entitled to know now that they would receive refunds if any games are canceled.''

With teams soon to send information to season ticket holders about buying packages for next year's games, Tuesday's announcement offers assurances to fans that they won't lose the money if they go ahead and make a purchase.