The NBA and NBPA are expected to extend Wednesday’s early deadline to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement as the two sides continue labor talks on a new long-term CBA, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Extending the opt-out deadline will allow the two sides to continue negotiations for a new CBA, with the current labor deal set to expire following the 2023-24 season.
Wednesday’s opt-out deadline already has been extended once, in December. The move would push back both sides’ ability to opt-out of the current labor agreement on June 30, which could lead to a lockout.
The current labor deal was struck after a lockout in 2011 that lasted for five months. As a result, the 2011-12 season was shortened to 66 regular-season games per team.
Now the two sides will look to avoid another lockout as they try to agree on a new CBA.