Nba, Union Near Deal, But Strife Remains

The framework of a new NBA labor deal emerged, but a potential agreement could be undercut by agents seeking to decertify the union.

The league and union Tuesday agreed to the basics of a new sixyear collective bargaining agreement, said a source familiar with the talks who asked not to be identified.

NBA deputy commissioner Russell Granik met all day Tuesday with union executive director Simon Gourdine and president Buck Williams to work out details.

The players association expected to have an offer to present to player representatives by conference call today, with a vote to be taken Friday.

“While we believe we are getting closer, we still have some very important issues to resolve,” Williams said Tuesday night.

However, the agreement could be scuttled by strife within the union. On Tuesday, players continued to sign notices saying they no longer wish to be represented by the players association.

If the union were decertified, any labor agreement it negotiated would be nullified, the league’s exemption from antitrust laws would no longer be in place and players would be able to take legal action against the league.

Under the proposed deal, players would receive a greater share of revenues - approximately 57 percent, up from 53 percent now.