BERLIN, 1 Apr. (dpa/EP) –
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have reached an agreement to approve a new collective agreement, which will include a new seasonal tournament, both associations announced this Saturday.
“The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, pending ratification by the players and team governors,” a statement read. “Specific details will be released once a term sheet is finalized,” they add.
ESPN reported the terms of a seven-year agreement that will take effect starting next season. The most notable addition is an in-season tournament, in which eight teams will advance to a single-elimination bracket prior to a ‘Final Four’ at a neutral venue. Those games would count toward the regular season standings, meaning the final two would play 83 games.
The agreement would also include changes to the eligibility rules for end-of-season awards, requiring MVP candidates to play 65 games to be eligible, in an attempt to curb burden management.
Other modifications refer to the expenses of the teams and to the contracts, with an increase in the maximum limit of the extensions of the players.