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Leagues and Governing Bodies

Sources: NBA, NBPA On Verge Of New CBA; Deal Could Be Finalized In A Few Weeks

The NBA and NBPA after a meeting in N.Y. on Wednesday have "pushed close" to a new CBA, according to sources cited by Adrian Wojnarowski of THE VERTICAL. Sources said that NBA owners and players "believe a finalized deal is inevitable within the next few weeks, with sides already agreeing upon most of the major issues in the deal," though there are "still talks left on smaller provisions." Sources added that the NBPA will "need its players to ratify a new deal, but union player leadership is eager to sell the rank-and-file on the terms of a deal that's nearly complete in its negotiations." NBA stars over the age of 30 "will benefit from the changing of the 36-and-over rule that now prohibits players from signing a five-year maximum contract if their 36th birthday occurs within the life of the deal." Sources said that the NBA and union have "tentatively agreed to change the rule to over 38." Sources added that the NBA's Basketball Related Income (BRI) split will "remain unchanged in a new agreement." The players "receive a share in the range" of 49-51% of the current BRI. Sources said that the NBA will "raise rookie-scale, veteran minimum and free-agent exception deals in the new agreement." Rises in those salaries "could come" in the 50% range over current numbers. Sources added that the NBA will "keep its 'one-and-done' rule with college basketball" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/20). USA TODAY's Mike Coppinger notes the NBA will "institute two-way contracts" for D-League players "similar to what the NHL offers now with its minor league affiliates" (USA TODAY, 10/21).

SIGN OF THINGS TO COME: ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst cited sources as saying that there is "currently not enough support for an amnesty clause among NBA owners as they continue negotiations" for a new CBA. Sources said that Clippers G and NBPA President Chris Paul "participated in Wednesday's bargaining session" in N.Y., "flying cross country overnight" after the Clippers' preseason game Tuesday in Sacramento. Sources added that Paul's participation in Wednesday's session is a "strong signal that a deal between the parties is within range." Windhorst noted there have been amnesty clauses in the past two CBAs, "allowing teams to waive players and have their salaries removed from the salary cap." Sources added that the league and union have "made progress on several other key issues including contract extensions, restricted free agency and qualifying offers" (ESPN.com, 10/20).

LET'S MAKE A DEAL: In DC, Tim Bontemps writes considering "how successful the league has been in recent seasons, it would be foolish for either side to risk stunting the momentum the league has created with the possibility of a work stoppage." This summer saw the salary cap "push north" of $90M for the first time. Meanwhile, interest in the league has "never been stronger." The Cavaliers-Warriors NBA Finals was a "ratings bonanza last June, and with both teams expected to reach the Finals again next season, the league could be in for an even bigger television spectacle for next year's series" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/21).

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