The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association have agreed to extend the deadline for giving notice of intent to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which expires after the 2022-2023 season. The original deadline of December 15 will be postponed to a date in February, according to an ESPN report. The decision is expected to be finalised during a virtual meeting of NBA governors next Wednesday.
An opt-out by either side could lead to a work stoppage starting July 1, 2023, similar to the 2011 lockout that lasted 161 days and reduced the season from 82 to 66 games. However, the extension reduces the likelihood of such an outcome. The NBA recently reported record revenue of over $10 billion, with basketball-related income reaching $8.9 billion.
A key issue in negotiations is the NBA's push for an 'upper spending limit', effectively a hard salary cap, to promote parity. This is strongly opposed by the players' union. Currently, teams like the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and LA Clippers face significant luxury tax bills, with the Warriors paying a record $170.1 million. Ten franchises are above the luxury tax threshold, including the Bucks, Celtics, Lakers, Suns, Mavericks, Nuggets, and 76ers.
