Thanks to the NBA’s owners and players work to hammer out a tentative agreement to end the league’s lockout, fans can expect to receive some basketball as a Christmas present. The two sides reportedly settled their differences during weekend bargaining sessions.

Sports Illustrated reports the season will be shorted from the traditional 82 games to 66, with the season expected to start Dec. 25. Although terms of the agreement are still fuzzy, early indications say that the owners pretty much steamrolled the players, reducing their basketball-related income by $240 million a year.

The resolution is especially good news for the hundreds of league workers who have been missing paychecks since the lockout started.

NBA sides reach tentative deal [Sports Illustrated]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.