[JLS]

The players have a contract with the NBA owners. The NBA owners are locking the players out and not living up to their contracts, ie holding out to renegotiate that contract because they view it has become a bad contract.

Certainly a conservative who believes in contracts has some sympathy with the players. Equally a conservative that is pro-business has some sympathy with the owners.

[DManA]

This is what happens when both sides have unlimited budgets to hire lawyers.

[SorbetCon]

The players and owners had a contract which expired in June. The contracts no longer binds anyone. Not sure why, in this situation, you would feel sympathy for either party.

[businessprofessor]

Certainly a conservative who believes in contracts has some sympathy with the players. Equally a conservative that is pro-business has some sympathy with the owners.

I do not have sympathy with either side. This situation involves two cartels fighting over the spoils of a lucrative industry. Perhaps major professional sports are a natural monopoly. If yes, the monopoly should be regulated. Major professional sports have gained enormous taxpayer subsidies to increase revenues and compensation. Professional sports have also negotiated lucrative broadcasting contracts that many pay tv customers have little choice in paying.