The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has approved the proposal for the upcoming 2020-2021 season to commence on December 22. The NBA has been aiming for this date as a starting point for the planned 72-game season.
The vote was taken by the NBPA board, which includes a player from each team chosen to represent their colleagues. The main topics of discussion are the financial implications for players due to the shorter season and the league’s management of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. These issues must be resolved before the plan can be finalized.
According to the current plan, which has been endorsed by the board, the NBA draft will be held on November 18, and training camps will begin opening on December 1.
The decision to start the season in December, as opposed to January, is primarily driven by financial considerations. Starting in mid-January, as an alternative proposal suggested, would result in a 60-game season with a loss of $500 million in revenue.
Moreover, starting in December allows the NBA to maintain its traditional Christmas game schedule, which is favored by the league’s broadcast partners. It also ensures that the season will end in time for the Tokyo Olympics next year.
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