The NBA and NBPA release joint statement on the continuation of the playoffs

The NBA and NBPA released a joint press release this morning to announce both parties have officially agreed to resume playoff games today with the understanding that the league, together with the players, will work towards improving their social justice initiatives.

“We had a candid, impassioned and productive conversation yesterday between NBA players, coaches and team governors regarding next steps to further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality. Among others, the attendees included player and team representatives of all 13 teams in Orlando. All parties agreed to resume NBA playoff games on Saturday, Aug. 29 with the understanding that the league together with the players will work to enact the following commitments:

1. The NBA and its players have agreed to immediately establish a social justice coalition, with representatives from players, coaches and governors, that will be focused on a broad range of issues, including increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform.

2. In every city where the league franchise owns and controls the arena property, team governors will continue to work with local elections officials to convert the facility into a voting location for the 2020 general election to allow for a safe in-person voting option for communities vulnerable to COVID. If a deadline has passed, team governors will work with local elections officials to find another election-related use for the facility, including but not limited to voter registration and ballot receiving boards.

3. The league will work with the players and our network partners to create and include advertising spots in each NBA playoff game dedicated to promoting greater civic engagement in national and local elections and raising awareness around voter access and opportunity.

“These commitments follow months of close collaboration around designing a safe and healthy environment to restart the NBA season, providing a platform to promote social justice, as well as creating an NBA Foundation focused on economic empowerment in the Black community.

“We look forward to the resumption of the playoffs and continuing to work together – in Orlando and in all NBA team markets – to push for meaningful and sustainable change.”

This news comes after the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on August 23rd.

Instead of suiting up postseason basketball, the Bucks phoned Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes to discuss the next steps necessary in finding justice for Blake.

Not only did their strike put the NBA on hold, but several teams across the WNBA, MLS, and MLB followed suit by refusing to play games in protest of racial injustice and police brutality.

Wednesday’s slate of games resumes today, beginning with the Bucks and Magic at 3:30 PM ET, and ending with the Lakers and Blazers at 9:00 PM. Below is a complete look at the revised playoff schedule.