THE NBA season will begin on December 22 after an agreement was reached with players over scheduling, salary figures and free agency dates.
The usual season-start date in October was pushed back because the coronavirus pandemic caused delays to the 2019-20 campaign.
But NBA and its players’ union have agreed a new date and a 72-game season – a reduction on a usual campaign.
The agreement is yet to be approved by the league’s board members.
But the league and its players have a deal in principle that also includes a November 20 date for when free agents can start negotiating with teams.
The 2020-21 salary cap has also been set at $109.1M (£82.8M).
The 2019-20 season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic in March and concluded in a ‘bubble’ environment in Orlando on October 11, four months later than the season typically ends.
Los Angeles Lakers ended a 10-year wait for their 17th NBA title, with LeBron James leading his team to a 4-2 Finals win over Miami Heat.
With such a short time between the conclusion of the play-offs and the start of next season, there have been reports that some players – such as James – could miss the start of the new campaign in order to have more rest.
