The statement also said the owners and players have agreed to extend the opt - out deadline from the current Dec. 15 date to Jan. 13 , 2017 .
Both sides have time to look over the deal before it is ratified .
The statement also said the owners and players have agreed to extend the opt - out deadline from the current Dec. 15 date to Jan. 13 , 2017 so that both sides have time to look over the deal before it is ratified .