League and referees agree on deal

The NBA approved a new five-year contract with its referees on Thursday, heading off a potential second lockout as the league continues to negotiate with players over a new deal.

Owners ratified the deal with officials at their meeting in Dallas on Thursday. Terms were not disclosed.

"We did not get everything we wanted, but given the current economic climate and the continuing players' lockout, we are satisfied that this deal was in the best interests of our members," National Basketball Referees Association general counsel Lee Seham said.