The NBA may be progressing to a new collective bargaining agreement. In other news, Major League Baseball is working on a new labor deal of its own, and ESPN is airing another President Obama town hall.
Key Players Optimistic NBA Can Avoid Lockout
- The NBA and NBPA have made progress toward reaching a new collective bargaining agreement, according to key players in the negotiations. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said last week that he is “optimistic that we’re going to get something done relatively soon,” a position echoed by the league’s highest-profile player LeBron James, who said Monday that both sides are “very optimistic.” NBA owners have locked out the players in three of the last four occasions the CBA has expired. While the current CBA does not expire until 2021, either side can opt out after this season. (masslive.com 10/10, NBA.com 10/11)
Manfred Hopes For MLB Deal This Fall
- Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said he is “optimistic” that the league will reach agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement with the MLBPA “this fall.” The MLB CBA expires on December 1. Unlike the other three major sports, baseball has had little labor-management strife in the 14 years since a players’ strike was averted in August 2002. (Sports Business Daily 10/11)
ESPN Hosts Second Obama Town Hall This Year
- Through its initiative The Undefeated, ESPN is televising a President Obama town hall on issues related to race Tuesday night. Hosted by SportsCenter anchor Stan Verrett, the pre-taped event is the second Obama town hall the network has aired this year. It was also one of several Disney networks to simulcast an Obama town hall in July, centered on a series of national incidents that had taken place. (ESPN Media Zone 10/3)
