Michele Roberts was quoted in an Italian publication that the NBA and its players may be able to announce a new collective bargaining agreement by the end of the season.
Roberts confirmed via email that she and Adam Silver have indeed talked about those specifics, but she added a cautionary note: “That is accurate,” Roberts says. “That is the goal. We did discuss that timeline, though it is not a deadline. It is more aptly described as an aspiration or goal.”
Silver declined comment through a league spokesman.
Owners, agents, union officials and other stakeholders have expressed increased optimism of avoiding a work stoppage.
The NBA generated more revenue than projected in 2014-15 for the second straight season, and the new national TV megadeal, which will pay the league an average of $2.7 billion per season, doesn’t even kick in until 2016-17.