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Basketball fans recently saw the possible end of the National Basketball Association’s labor strike after a five-month lockout. Though the owners and the players came to a tentative deal, there is doubt in the players remaining happy with the results for too long.

In an attempt to resolve the issues in order to avoid loosing even more money and an entire season, much like the National Hockey League had to do in the 2004-2005 season after a strike, the players agreed to terms that benefited the owners greatly.

The owners managed to receive 49 percent of all basketball-related income instead of the previous 43 percent.

This could put an additional $3 million into their pockets if both sides continue to agree to the 10-year deal.

There are also major restrictions on contracts, shortening the maximum length from six years to five for re-signing players and four years for free agents.

Players benefit from the increased amount of spending money on teams, and they avoided a hard pay cap, but none had any praise for the deal.

This does level the playing field for the teams who don’t earn as much, perhaps resulting in a more competitive season.

No one likes a pay cut though, so whether or not the players keep the deal after the minimum six-year mark is yet to be seen. There is also the problem with the stability of their contracts, or lack there of.

The main issues the two sides disputed were revenue sharing and the structure of the salary cap, but can either side complain when they’re still making seven-figure salaries? Even the minimum salary is around $500,000, which is still more than enough to live a luxurious lifestyle.

Sports City showed that The Los Angeles Laker’s Kobe Bryant, the highest paid player, earned over $25 million in the 2010-2011 season.

While people are protesting in every major city and talk of the 99 percent is so dominant, there seems to be very little people want to do to affect athletes.

They can go after CEOs and presidents of companies, but athletes, musicians, and actors can still slide by with millions of dollars in their pockets.

It’s strange to see that the players, the ones people pay to see, get the short end of the stick and the fans don’t benefit from any of it, even after all the money the NBA will save.

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