We now have more than just Christmas to look forward to this year on December 25th. After a 148-day lockout, the NBA has finally reached a tentative agreement that means we will be watching basketball on Christmas day. No contracts have been signed but a handshake deal is enough to have everyone feeling very optimistic. Hallelujah!
The league has already had to cut ten games this season because of the lock out. The new revised schedule will have a 66 game season, which may seem short, but is better than no season at all. Networks such as ABC/ESPN, TNT/Turner, and any regional sports networks that hold television rights are finally able to let out sighs of relief. Without a season, the ad revenue hit these networks would have taken would be gargantuan.
To make the deal final a few things are needed. The NBA will need 15 of its 29 owners to vote for the deal. The union needs a “simple majority” of the more than 430 members. NBA commissioner, David Stern, stated once the deal is made it will take about 30 days before the season can begin. This has been a bit of a driving force behind getting the deal done for it’s hopeful start date of December 25th.
The season will open with three amazing matchups. The Boston Celtics will be playing against the New York Knicks in New York. This will be followed up by an NBA finals rematch between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas. For dessert, MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls will take on Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in LA.
If this deal does not go through, more than just the sports world will be affected. There are thirty teams in the league that each employs hundreds of people. In an economy where jobs are so scarce, the NBA lockout could have been another huge slap in the face for thousands.
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