Despite Lockout, City Of Orlando Still Preparing For All-Star Game

The city of Orlando, the Orlando Magic, and the NBA are still preparing for the All-Star game to be played at the Amway Center Feb. 26, just in case a collective bargaining agreement is put into place to end the league’s ongoing labor dispute.

The three parties have met over the past two days in Orlando to discuss logistical issues for the game, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Topics discussed have been traffic, parking, security, and arena capabilities.

The NBA Players Association rejected the owners’ latest collective bargaining agreement proposal earlier this week. As a result of their decision, the players plan to file an antitrust lawsuit against the NBA. Such an action carries the potential of a long period of litigation which could force the cancellation of the NBA season.

Commissioner David Stern has stated publicly that the deal presented to the players was the best the league had to offer to them. He had also stated that decertifying the union will only create future problems, and could potentially cancel the season.