NBA players have rejected the basketball league's latest contract offer and will disband as a union, a move which could wipe out the entire NBA season as the sides take their labour dispute to court.
The Players Association says it will become a trade association in order to pursue legal action against the NBA.
Association executive director Billy Hunter says bargaining has broken down completely and a disclaimer notice has been served on the NBA and its Commissioner David Stern.
The NBA locked out its players on July 1 and its latest offer of a 50-50 split of basketball related income between the owners and players and would have provided for a 72-game season to start on December 15.
Players received 57 percent of basketball income in the previous contract and are also at odds with the owners over rules governing contracts and free agency.
