NBA officials have confirmed the deal, which will provide for an abbreviated season of 50 games to begin in February.

The agreement was reached just seven hours before the union was scheduled to vote on the issue of whether to accept the original deal offered to the players or to pull the season completely.

Indiana guard Fred Hoiberg said: "I don't think anyone won. Both sides lost on it.

"It will take some time to get the game back where it was. Hopefully we can get back to work soon and put a good product on the court."

The dispute has created problems before the shortened season starts. Such clubs as three-time defending champion Chicago and past winner Houston have only three players signed and must be allowed time to recruit players for the start.

Once rosters are set, training camps must be conducted so collections of players who might be unfamiliar with one another can come together as teams in time to play games.

It is believed that February 2 is the proposed date for the restart, with regular-season play extended into May for the first time. The finals are likely to take place in July in order to satisfy television schedules.