A tentative deal has been reached in the months-long lockout between NBA players and owners, though details of the resolution have not been released. The season is expected to begin on Christmas day, with 66 games to be played in the season. Derek Fisher, president of the National Basketball Players Association, thanked the patience of fans during the 149-day lockout. “Our fans and the support from the people and (their) patience through a large part of this process – that’s where a lot of this credit goes to. The efforts that have been made have been largely with them in mind.”
Conflict arose in early July when team owners locked out players. NBA Commissioner David Stern said they were seeking a bigger share of revenues, citing fewer profits from the previous season. Stern said he expects the labor relations committee to endorse the tentative pact. President Barack Obama seemed to approve the agreement, when asked about it after playing a round of hoops at Fort McNair.
