Wednesday, December 28, 2011

NBA owners, union have another long meet

Photo credit: AP | Derek Fisher , left, president of the NBA players' association, and Boston Celtics ' Paul Pierce , center, listen as Billy Hunter , right, executive directors of the association, speak at a news conference following labor talks between NBA players and owners. (Oct. 4, 2011)

Galleries NBA Draft 2011 Hit or miss: NBA No. 1 picks since 1971 NBA free agent rankings: Class of 2011

Cautious optimism grew Wednesday as the NBA and its players union were engaged in another long day of collective bargaining that stretched into early Thursday morning at a midtown Manhattan hotel. The sides returned to the negotiating table after a five-day break, following an abrupt ending to mediation last week.

Union officials said after talks broke down last week that the owners insisted the players accept a 50-50 split of league revenues before talks could move to formulating a salary cap system. When the players refused, the owners walked out. It is believed that the NBA dropped that ultimatum in order to get the union back to the table Wednesday, but multiple sources said even after talks ended, the sides continued to stay in touch throughout the weekend.

Wednesday's meeting involved a small group setting, which always has produced the most optimism and progress throughout this process. Commissioner David Stern , who missed last Thursday's session because of the flu, was present along with deputy commissioner Adam Silver and Spurs owner Peter Holt, who is the chairman of the league's Labor Relations Committee, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor , the chairman of the Board of Governors, and Knicks owner James Dolan . The union had executive director Billy Hunter , president Derek Fisher and members of the union's executive committee.

The sides were working on finding common ground on the revenue split, with the players' last offer a "band" of 50 to 53 percent -- based on the performance of league revenues -- and the owners preferring a 49 to 51 range. Despite last week's hard stop, both sides are feeling a sense of urgency to reach an accord because the calendar still allows the league to create an 82-game schedule, which would mean full revenues for both sides: The league would get its broadcasting rights income and the players would get their full salaries. The league could basically push the season up a full month and aim for a Dec. 1 start if a deal is reached in the next two weeks. Stern said the league would need about a month before it could start a season.

But if the sides remain at odds when the calendar flips to November, it might not only destroy any chance at a full schedule, but also cause a lack of motivation for more talks.

Players have kept themselves busy playing in charity games around the country, with a six-game "World All-Star Classic" scheduled to open Saturday in Puerto Rico.

Source: http://www.newsday.com