Ken Berger cites a source "familiar with ownership dynamics" in reporting that there has been growing support in recent weeks for the hardline position of some owners that David Stern has already given up too much in negotiations with the union.

This pressure has prompted Stern to issue the current ultimatum to the players, who face a significantly worse offer after close of business on Wednesday.

Similarly, ESPN reports that the hardline owners are letting Stern do it his way until Wednesday, after which they will be able to pursue the more owner-favorable CBA they desire.

Berger lists the original hardline ownership groups as Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Memphis, Philadelphia, Washington, Portland and Minnesota.