The NBA is making progress in negotiations with the players union, and commissioner Adam Silver is optimistic about the prospects for a new collective bargaining agreement, writes Fran Blinebury of NBA.com.
Speaking today in China before the Global Games contest between the Rockets and Pelicans, Silver cited “a great sense and spirit of cooperation across the table and desire to move forward.” The NBA is in the middle of a 10-year CBA that was agreed to in 2011, but the league and the players can opt out of the deal until December 15th.
“There’s a sense from both the owners and the union management that there is a lot at stake here,” Silver said, “and I think everyone’s feeling the pressure from all the constituents involved in this league for all the jobs that we provide that it’s incumbent upon us to work something out and get a deal done.”
The NBA’s last lockout occurred prior to the start of the 2011/12 season. Teams lost 16 games before play began on Christmas Day.
The commissioner refused to discuss specifics of the negotiations, but said meetings with the union are continuing. He added that he spoke to Players Association executive director Michele Roberts during a trip to Spain last week.
“We continue to be engaged on a regular basis,” Silver added. “I remain optimistic that we’re going to get something done relatively soon.”
That guy is the is the definition of “a suit.” Anything for a dollar.