Billy Hunter, chief of the players union, says owners are locking out players after failing to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, potentially putting the 2011-12 season in jeopardy.

Despite a three-hour meeting Thursday, the sides could not close the enormous gap that remained in their positions. The CBA was due to expire at midnight.

Union executive committee member Matt Bonner  says "we tried to avoid the lockout; unfortunately we couldn't reach a deal."

All league business will be on hold until a new agreement is reached.

The two sides will meet again in two to three weeks.

The union will not decertify.