George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service tried to help the NBA and the players' association (NBPA) to come to a meeting of the minds, presiding over talks that lasted three days. These talks have since broken down and Cohen has stepped aside, but Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBPA, has indicated that it could be helpful to have Cohen return to help organize another round of contract mediation. The NBA has not yet indicated agreement with the proposed arrangement.

Hunter and Derek Fisher, the current president of the players' union held a meeting together last week. Also present was the executive committee of the union. The purpose of the meeting was to lay out a strategy so that collective bargaining can continue. Hunter indicated that he has called David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA, to try to schedule another round of talks. "We're going to meet,'' said Hunter of the prospect for more talks,” The only way we're going to get a deal done is if we meet."

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Worked on Revenue Split

The most contentious issue in the talks is the matter of league revenue and how it should be split between the parties. Team owners want a 50-50 split, with half of all revenues accruing to them, but players are insisting that they should receive at least 52.5%, leaving the owners with less than half of total revenue.