NEW YORK — NFL owners will meet Thursday in Manhattan to discuss ongoing negotiations with the players’ association about a new collective bargaining agreement.

Recent talks have brought both sides closer to a potential agreement a year before the current 10-year deal expires. Having the 32 team owners together for a previously unscheduled forum — the next scheduled owners meeting is not until the end of March in Florida — appears to be a sign of substantial progress.

The league has proposed a 17-game regular season as part of a new contract. A trade-off to get that likely would include more roster spots as well as a larger percentage of revenues going to players.

There’s also been discussions about reducing the preseason. An extra bye week during the regular season also is a possibility.

Although there would seem to be plenty of time to get a new deal done, the NFL’s business season starts March 18, when free agency begins. Getting a CBA before then would allow the league to turn attention to further broadcast and digital contracts.