Report: NBA pushing NBPA for 72-game season originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The NBA reportedly wants a shortened 72-game season with a start date of Dec. 22, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
While there is still apparently a gulf between the NBA and NBPA, who are pushing for a start around Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 18, the timeline for the current collective bargaining agreement remains in flux.
Typically, a normal season is 82 games in length and begins at the end of October. Since the coronavirus pandemic pushed back the finish of the 2019-20 season the NBA had to make adjustments. The Summer Olympics that were rescheduled to July 2021 also plays a factor as the NBA would hope for their season to be complete before that would begin.
Players like Bradley Beal and Lakers guard Danny Green have recently spoken out against the possibility of starting next season on Dec. 22. Still, with the likelihood of welcoming fans in arenas remaining small for the coming campaign, the loss of more games could cost the players down the road.
