High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 1998–99 NBA lockout was the third lockout in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It lasted from July 1, 1998 to January 20, 1999, and forced the 1998–99 season to be shortened to 50 games per team and that season`s All-Star Game to be canceled. NBA owners reopened the league`s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in March 1998, seeking changes to the league`s salary cap system and a ceiling on individual player salaries. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opposed the owners` plans and wanted raises for players who earned the league`s minimum salary. After the two sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners began the lockout.