More games in peril as talks break down

Talks between NBA players and owners broke down late Thursday, raising the prospect that more games will be cancelled after the two sides failed to resolve financial differences.

Thirty hours of negotiations over the past three days, under the eye of federal mediator George Cohen, had raised some hopes that the parties had made progress toward agreement over two key issues: the division of revenues and a salary cap system.

“Ultimately we were unable to bridge the gap that separates the two parties,” NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said.

“We understand the ramifications of where we are. We’re saddened on behalf of the game.”

NBA commissioner David Stern – who missed Thursday’s meetings with the flu – has already wiped out the scheduled for the first two weeks of the campaign, 100 games from November 1-14.

Union president Derek Fisher said the players are aware of the seriousness of the situation, noting that people such as arena workers are also dependent on the season.

Stern had already indicated that if some sort of deal could not be reached this week, games in December could be in jeopardy.

The cancellations to date are costing players some $170 million in salaries.