For at least a few hours yesterday it appeared as if the Players were all finally on the same page. With a deadline looming today the players union called an 11th hour meeting yesterday. As expected, the players unanimously rejected the current offer which is set to expire today. What was a bit of a surprise is that the union has agreed to an even split of Basketball Related Income given a few concessions are met in the new CBA.
You would think the ball is now in the owner’s court. Problem is it would appear as if the owners aren’t exactly all playing on the same court. Some seem willing to play ball. Others are a little more concerned with their pockets than the product. Leave it to Derek Fisher to call them out.
No matter who holds to key to unlock this conundrum the onus is clearly on David Stern at the moment. Stern imposed the nonsensical deadline and he is the one who ultimately decides which games will and won’t be played this year.
If Stern is confident enough to go back to his bosses with the new stance of the union then talks can resume. If he’s siding with the hardliners, like His Airness, then the next offer made to the players will likely lead to a season being lost.
Supposedly the current offer is the last best deal that will be presented to the players. After this, the reports state that a sagging 47% will be offered to the players as their share of the BRI.
Whatever happens in the coming hours will likely set the tone for this season. If the season is to be saved then Stern will get the owners back to the table. If the season is to be lost then it will be because the owners are unwilling negotiate further leaving the union to be decertified.