Jae C. Hong / Associated Press
After weeks of speculation, the NBA and the National Association of Basketball Players have announced that they have reached agreement on a finalized plan to restart the regular season, including the official lockout on the restart date.
In a joint announcement, the league and players confirmed that the season will resume on July 30 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida with 22 teams competing and no fan attendance.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver included a statement in the announcement:
“We have worked together with the Players Association to establish a restart plan that prioritizes health and safety, maintains competitive equity, and provides a platform to address social justice issues. We thank our longtime collaborator Disney for their role in being host and make this possible to play again, and we also thank public health officials and infectious disease specialists who helped guide the creation of comprehensive medical protections and protocols. “
The agreement also states that the full schedule and national television matches will be announced on Friday night, with the league “and its streaming and technology partners … collaborating to improve game broadcasts and provide fans with an immersive and interactive viewing experience. “
Information on the NBA’s return date has been reported since the board of governors and players voted to approve the restart plan earlier this month.
By CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, the mandatory individual practice sessions will begin on July 1, and the teams will travel to Orlando from July 7 to 9.
The NBA’s week-long transaction window opened on Tuesday, allowing teams to sign eligible free agents and two-way players to increase the size of their roster to a maximum of 17 players.
An official start date for the postseason was not announced, but the league confirmed that the NBA Finals “will end. no later than October 13. “
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