Canceled NBA Games Shouldn't Affect Arena Efforts

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Mayor Kevin Johnson expressed disappointment that NBA officials and players could not reach an agreement this week, leading to the cancellation of all professional basketball games in November, but said the setback shouldn't derail Sacramento's new arena hopes.

Negotiations broke down Friday over "basketball-related income," a contentious issue that determines how league revenue is split between players and owners. Union director Billy Hunter said league officials refused to concede anything other than a 50-50 split, while the union wouldn't dip below 52.5 percent for the players.

Players were guaranteed 57 percent in the previous collective bargaining agreement.

Commissioner David Stern announced Friday that all of November's games would be cancelled, dashing hopes of playing a full NBA season despite the ongoing dispute.

"In light of the breakdown of talks, there will not be a full NBA season under any circumstances," Stern said.

Mayor Johnson said the news comes as a harsh blow for local businesses that rely on Sacramento Kings games at Power Balance Pavilion to boost business.

"The fans, the people who work and have jobs, it means a great deal in our community," Johnson said at a fundraiser with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, who is also a former NBA player.

While disappointing, Johnson said the dispute shouldn't affect attempts to get an arena built for future seasons.

"Our effort to keep the Kings in Sacramento, we are very proud of that," he said. "As strange as it sounds, if there is not a season, it does not affect our efforts."

Sacramento Kings forward Donte Greene said the people hardest hit by the lockout are the workers at the arena.

"The sympathy needs to go to workers for the arena those are the hones hurting from the lockout," Greene said. "I wish we would hurry up and get going so we can help those people out."

Greene has organized a charity exhibition game in November called the Goon Squad Classic that could feature players from across the league. Some of the players who have agreed to participate include Jason Thompson, Demarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans, Hassan Whiteside, Isaiah Thomas, and Kevin Martin, and Greene said other big NBA names could join them.

The game is scheduled for November 20 at UC Davis. Tickets will go on sale November 10.