The NBA delivered its second formal offer to the players last week after its initial proposal sought a reduction of nearly US$800 million in salaries for the 2011-12 season. Players have been paid a total of approximately $2.1 billion this season, but NBA commissioner David Stern said last month that the league is projecting a $300 million loss for the campaign.
“Unfortunately, the proposal is very similar to the proposal the league submitted over a year ago,” Fisher told ESPN.com. “This last proposal doesn't look close to what we were expecting.”
Fisher added: “We are taking a close look at each piece of the proposal, and I along with my players and executive committee will be determining what next steps best move this process forward. I continue to work on this daily, take this very seriously, and have a responsibility to my players to try and get a deal done.”
The owners are trying to reduce the players’ 57% cut of basketball-related income, and the current labour agreement is set to expire on June 30. If a new deal is not reached, the NBA is likely to follow in the footsteps of the National Football League and become the second US major league this year to enter a lockout.
The NBA’s only work stoppage in its history came in 1998, and Fisher has pledged to work towards salvaging the situation. “I will continue to urge our players to be prepared in the event of a lockout, but will remain steadfast in my efforts to drive this process forward,” he added.
