The NBA fears that starting the league in January instead of December could cost the league between $500 million and $1 billion in revenue, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The financial consequences would result in a steep drop in salaries.

There remains "significant gaps" between the NBA and NBPA on how to account for financial losses for last season and steeper projected declines for next season.  

The NBA and NBPA recently agreed to push back the deadline of potentially terminating the CBA until next Friday. 

The union is pushing back against the league's plan to play a 72-game season starting on December 22nd, with the NBA Finals ending before the start of the Olympics.

The union has countered with a mid-January start, but will continue discussing options with players.

Both sides will continue discussions into the weekend.