Following the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association, players who win the NBA in-season tournament will earn a massive $500,000 each.
The CBA is set for seven years and includes a mutual opt-out after the sixth year. Other significant changes in the agreement include the removal of the ban on marijuana use by players, a 65-game minimum to be considered for postseason awards, and a second tax apron that eliminates a team’s mid-level exception when they hit the threshold.
Here’s how the in-season tournament will work:
(Via Yahoo Sports) pic.twitter.com/qWlsUQvajf
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Financial changes in the new CBA also include a 20 percent increase in veteran extension limits and a third two-way contract via cap exception. However, talks about lowering the minimum age to enter the league were dropped, meaning the “one-and-done” era will continue into the future.
The in-season tournament’s format and details are expected to be made available when the CBA is ratified, but Shams Charania previously reported that the top eight teams in the standings will advance to a single-elimination final in December. The Final Four of the in-season tournament will be held at a neutral site, with Las Vegas considered a prominent possibility, according to Wojnarowski, Tim Bontemps, and Bobby Marks.
The new CBA, which will start with the 2023-24 season, ensures labor peace in the NBA through at least 2028-29 when either side can use the opt-out after the sixth year. The most recent NBA work stoppage was the 2011 lockout following the expiration of the previous collective bargaining agreement, which lasted five months and resulted in the regular-season schedule being reduced from 82 games to 66 games.
With the massive $500,000 prize money for the in-season tournament, players will be even more motivated to perform well and win games. The inclusion of the tournament adds an exciting new dimension to the NBA season, and with the Final Four set to be held at a neutral site, fans can expect a thrilling atmosphere in Las Vegas or another prominent location. Overall, the new CBA promises labor peace for the NBA and exciting changes for players and fans alike.
NBA In-Season Tournament: A New Era of Competition
After years of discussions and failed proposals, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement that includes the highly-anticipated in-season tournament. The tournament will feature all 30 teams, with pool-play games leading to a single-elimination tournament culminating in one champion. The Final Four will be held at a neutral site, with Las Vegas reportedly in discussions to host.
The tournament games will take place in November, with the Final Four occurring in December before Christmas Day. Each team will play a number of pool-play games, and the single-game elimination contests will count toward the regular-season schedule. Players on the championship team will earn $500,000 each, and coaches will also be awarded prize money.
The NBA in-season tournament will bring a new era of competition and excitement to the league, making regular-season games more meaningful and giving players and fans a fresh new experience.
