The National Basketball Association (NBA) store is seen in Beijing on Oct 9, 2019. (GREG BAKER / AFP)
The NBA has reached an agreement with the National Basketball Players Association to withhold 25 percent of each player’s salary from May 15 due to the shutdown of the sport because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The deal would provide a gradual reduction in player salaries in case a “force majeure” event, such as the pandemic, wipes out the rest of the regular season.
ALSO READ: Durant headlines players in NBA 2K video game tourney
The money will be placed in escrow and paid back to players if all of the remaining regular season games are played, ESPN reported.
If only part of the season can be played, the amount paid out would be on a pro rata basis based on the number of games completed.
READ MORE: NBA's virtual virtuosos holding court
The salary reductions will continue through the first two months of the 2020-21 NBA season, ESPN said.
The NBA has not held a game since March 11 and it is unclear when it might return to action.