Report: NBA Looking at 72 Game Season to Start Around Christmas

The NBA is looking to move forward with the 2020-21 season, scheduling a 72 game season, set to begin on December 22nd.

The NBA is targeting Dec. 22 for the start of the 2020-21 season and a 72-game campaign that finishes before the ‘21 Olympics, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2020

The NBA is hoping to capitalize on starting the season during its traditional holiday programming, and is also looking to play games in front of real fans - instead of the virtual environment of the Bubble, which reminded some people of a Black Mirror episode. The league is optimistic that they will complete next season prior to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, which will allow for its stars to play for their countries and showcase the sport on a worldwide scale.

This still leaves many questions about free agency, as Basketball Related Income (BRI) is down between 35%-40% from the COVID-19 shortened season, which will have an impact on the upcoming salary cap.

With Basketball Related Income projected to decrease significantly, owners will likely recoup a projected $350M+ (split among 30 teams) in player escrow (10% of salaries). However, it will likely take months before escrow is distributed back to teams. https://t.co/vIgqTK87ti
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 24, 2020

From an economic standpoint. The NBA was projecting $8B in Basketball Related Income (BRI) for this season and $8.4B in 20-21. Those numbers were before the revenue decline from China and COVID-19. https://t.co/xTnIIGOAET
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 8, 2020

What will this mean for players looking to sign lengthy contracts this offseason? Would they rather sign shorter, bridge deals that will allow them to cash in a few years from now when the finances of the league are looking better? Without more details about the salary cap, there are still a lot of variables to be determined heading into next year.

Photo Credit: Martin Cole/DPPI/Icon Sportswire