NBA is trying to reduce expenses by cutting back on travel during a shortened 72-game scheduleNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The NBA's BOG was "unanimous in voting to approve an amended agreement" to the CBA, "clearing the way for a number of financial and competitive rule changes to the structure" of the '20-21 season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com. The season will open on Dec. 22 and play a "reduced schedule of 72 games." The deal "calls for free agency to begin" Nov. 20 at 6:00pm ET (ESPN.com, 11/10).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: THE ATHLETIC's Bill Shea noted Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban was "succinct" when asked if the measures negotiated for the upcoming season "give him any comfort about the financial impact." Cuban in an email wrote, “No. It’s going to be brutal from a financial perspective. Just as it is for all sports teams at all levels." Shea noted while "trying to preserve as much revenue as possible," the NBA also is "reportedly trying to reduce expenses by cutting back on travel, especially cross-country flights, and with a small increase in player salary escrow over a couple of seasons" (THEATHLETIC.com, 11/10). In N.Y., Brian Lewis notes the agreement "could benefit the Nets both competitively and financially," even though they "could face a luxury-tax bill" of more than $50M, which would be the fifth-highest of all time. But what is "vital to note is that teams like the Nets -- who will be far over the tax threshold -- would get a break if league revenues dip" under $8.45B, a "possibility due to complications with both coronavirus and China." Any "reduction in revenue -- say 30 percent" -- would also result in a "corresponding luxury-tax savings." The Nets are "sure to be a luxury-tax team," and both Nets Owner Joe Tsai and GM Sean Marks "have said ownership is comfortable with that being the cost of contention." But "projected to have a payment that exceeds" $50M, "any savings would help" (N.Y. POST, 11/11).
GETTING FANS BACK: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that he "senses that the NBA will have fans in many of its buildings this season." Silver said, "We're probably going to start one way, where we're maybe a little bit more conservative than many of the jurisdictions allow. What we've said to our teams is that we'll continue to work with public health authorities. Arena issues are different than outdoor stadium issues. There will be certain standards." Silver added that there "will be standardized protocols that are consistent from arena to arena, such as proximity between players and fans." Silver: "In certain cases, for seats near the floor, we're going to be putting in testing programs, where fans will certify that they've been tested -- some within 48 hours, some within day of game" (ESPN.com, 11/10).
TOO SHORT TO BE SAFE: In Minneapolis, Michael Rand notes this will be the "shortest offseason in the history of major U.S. sports." NBA health officials are "concerned, and rightfully so." This is "reckless, and we won’t really know how much so until it’s too late." Rand: "Sacrifice a little short-term financial pain from fewer games played for the long-term physical and mental health of everyone involved" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/11).
