USA - Prospect of NBA lockout of mounting concern
Although the collective bargaining agreement does not expire until July 1, and the NBA and players could reach a deal before a lockout, the impact of a labor stoppage is mounting:
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Although the collective bargaining agreement does not expire until July 1, and the NBA and players could reach a deal before a lockout, the impact of a labor stoppage is mounting:
•Some NBA head coaches and assistants, especially those hired in the last year or two, have lockout language in their contracts that potentially could prevent them from getting paid.
•National teams set to compete in important tournaments this summer are concerned they won't be able to obtain insurance at reasonable rates on players' contracts, which the NBA has helped to provide via a broker.
•The NBA did not schedule 2011-12 preseason games in Europe or Asia.
•The league's popular Las Vegas Summer League, which offers rookies and young players a chance to learn and impress, runs the risk of cancellation.
•The Los Angeles Lakers did not offer contracts to four training staff members for next season in a cost-cutting move before a lockout, the Los Angeles Times reported.
•A judge's decision Monday to end the NFL lockout is regarded as a win for pro sports unions. The National Basketball Players Association has gotten enough signatures to approve a decertification vote, which could make a lockout wieldy for the owners.
Decertification is "a very serious action, and this is a very serious time for us in these labor negotiations. You have to be prepared to use all of the available means to get something done," Miami Heat forward and NBPA secretary/treasurer James Jones told USA TODAY.
The generic lockout language in contracts states a coach will be paid no less than half his salary if more than 41 games are lost and will be paid on a pro-rated basis if more than 41, but not all, games are played. There also is concern coaches' salaries will decrease as the league seeks a new economic model.
"Coaching salaries have always been a market unto itself," said Michael Goldberg, NBA Coaches Association executive director. "Some coaches may be affected by the overall marketplace. If teams aren't making money, salaries could go down."
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2011-04-26-nbalockout_N.htm