The NBA and Players Association reached an agreement in principle for the start of the 2020-2021 season, as well as adjustments to the collective bargaining agreement.
What we know:
- The NBA and players met last week to agree on the December 22nd start date for the regular season. They have agreed to play a 72-game schedule and there are still discussions on developing a schedule that minimizes team travel.
- The 2020-2021 salary cap will be set at $109 million and the tax level will be $132 million. The cap will increase by 3-10% in subsequent seasons. The CBA adjustments will allow for player salary escrow to exceed the standard 10% should player compensation be greater than the players’ designated share of basketball-related income in any given season.
- Dates have been agreed upon for the offseason. The NBA Draft will take place on November 18 and the trade moratorium will likely be lifted two to three days before the draft. Free agency will start November 20 at 6 pm and teams can officially sign players on November 22. Training camps will start on December 1, just three weeks before opening night.
- Another detail that still needs to be hashed out is the fate of the Toronto Raptors. They will not be able to play in Toronto because of international travel restrictions. The team and the league are trying to find an alternative host city that would allow them to stay in the Atlantic Division. Kansas City, Newark, Louisville, and Brooklyn have all been discussed as possibilities.
The NBA owners will still vote to approve these adjustments.
