MAY 18 could be D-Day for a deal between the AFL and its players, with club bosses set to be briefed on the new collective bargaining agreement. 

A CEO's conference has been slated for that Thursday in Melbourne, as clubs eagerly anticipate an update on what the new six-year pay and conditions framework looks like. 

AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh is jetting round the country to brief players from all 18 clubs on the AFL's latest offer, after which a vote is expected to confirm the new deal. 

The headline 20 per cent pay rise this season, first reported exclusively by AFL.com.au in March, is expected to be well received by the playing group. 

There is still a slight chance an announcement on a deal could happen before the scheduled CEOs conference, but that appears unlikely with chief executive Gillon McLachlan and a number of key League officials heading to China for the historic Port Adelaide-Gold Coast match.

Whenever it does happen, there will be a collective sigh of relief from the entire industry as the wheels of the football world resume spinning at full pace. A locked in CBA deal will mean:

- Clubs will be able to negotiate player contracts and manage their salary caps with certainty
- The League can turn its attention to the distribution of the remaining media rights money
- Decisions can be made about future investment in AFL Women's, community football, game development and AFL Media
- Player agents' revenue will be boosted
- Broadcasters can be confident games won't be interrupted by industrial action
- Fans will hear more from their favourite players thanks to increased media access under the new agreement

Minor details are still be tinkered with, including the issue of business class flights.

At least 15 taller players from WA-based clubs are expected to be guaranteed an upgrade for their fortnightly flights across the continent.

There had been some speculation Brisbane Lions players were miffed by not being included in the guaranteed flight upgrade scheme, even though most clubs already endeavor to upgrade players and secure exit rows for flights in and out of Perth. 

Lions players are expected to hear from Marsh and his team next week, but it's understood they are actually not too concerned by the flight upgrade aspect of the deal.