NEW YORK -- The NHLPA executive board has authorized to provide a $10,000 stipend to all players, a source confirmed.

The players already have missed four paychecks as a result of the league-imposed lockout.

The NHLPA's next decision will be to respond to the NHL on whether to accept commissioner Gary Bettman's invitation to hold a players/owners-only meeting, with no league or NHLPA staff present. The idea was presented as an alternative option after mediation broke down between the two sides Thursday.