With the deadline looming for an NBA lockout, ESPN.com took a look at the implications for digital media.
The league’s current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Thursday. If neither an extension nor a new agreement is signed by midnight July 30, NBA-owned digital properties will lose the rights to photos and videos of NBA players.
ESPN.com reports that NBA website administrators and support staff are creating contingency plans should it become necessary to remove all of the related material and assets.
There are many gray areas surrounding which assets would be included under such strictures. Additionally, site advertisers and sponsors are likely to suffer a drop in visitors and page views, potentially leading to further financial problems for the league.
The last NBA lockout began in July 1998 and ran to February 1999, shortening the season to 50 games.
Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/6hoz2uw (ESPN.go.com)
http://tinyurl.com/3e3zoq9 (Washington Post)
