Root, Root, Root for the Negotiating Team

Root, Root, Root for the Negotiating Team

Stern Stance

NBA Commissioner David Stern threatened to cancel the season entirely if players and owners could not come to an agreement during a 204-day lockout in 1998. The union split on its goals, and a new arrangment was signed, limiting player salaries. That was a victory for the owners and cemented Stern's power. The shortened 50-game season saw significantly reduced fan interest, with lower attendance and consistently poor television ratings.

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