David Stern announced that the league has officially cancelled the first two weeks of the regular season after owners and players met for seven hours on Monday without reaching an agreement. Stern had said prior to the meeting that if the two sides were unable to reach an agreement by Monday evening, games would likely be cancelled.
The NBA announced today that it has canceled the first two weeks of the 2011-12 regular season because a new collective bargaining agreement has not been reached with the National Basketball Players Association. This cancellation includes all games originally scheduled to be played through November 14.
"Despite extensive efforts, we have not been able to reach a new agreement with the players' union that allows all 30 teams to be able to compete for a championship while fairly compensating our players," NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said.
Refunds plus interest are available for all NBA season-ticket holders for all preseason and regular-season games that are canceled. (via NBA.com)
Stern and the league first cancelled 43 preseason games and suspended player training camps indefinitely in September before officially canceling the entire preseason. No date has been schedule for the next labor meeting.
"The gap is so significant that we just can't bridge it at this time," said Stern, who added it's doubtful a full 82-game season can be played. (via ESPN)
The cancellation means that all games through November 14th will not be played. During that time, the Boston Celtics were scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 2, the Atlanta Hawks on No. 4, the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 5, the Charlotte Bobcats on Nov. 9, the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 11 and the Cavs again on Nov. 12.
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