National Basketball Association team owners have ordered a lockout of players as last-ditch talks failed, setting up a shutdown that threatens the 2011-2012 season in the United States.
The first NBA work stoppage since the 1998-1999 season was slashed to 50 games will halt trades, free agent signings and contract talks.
Players won't be paid, and will also be barred from using team facilities or working with coaches.
The NBA's followed the National Football League into a work stoppage with the NFL's lockout reaching its 107th day as talks continue over a new deal and with pre-season training camps set to open in three weeks.
NBA commissioner David Stern says says only eight of the NBA's 30 teams are profitable and teams are losing $US300 million overall with a huge divide between owners and players in terms of financial proposals.
