Fans react to news of possible NBA deal - Local News - Indianapolis, IN

& 13; With the NBA lockout appearing to come to an end, local businesses could make a profit when the season starts.& 13;

The question now is, 'Will the NBA deal bring back enough fans?'

High school football fans headed into Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday offered their opinion on the deal.

"Do I think the NBA lockout is over? I hope it is. I truly hope the NBA lockout is over, so we can get to some good basketball," said one fan.

"Hopefully the NBA lockout is over. We came from Toronto. I'm a big Raptors fan, but it would be good to see the Pacers play again," said another.

Most of those walking by who stopped to talk with Eyewitness News were less than neutral about the season.

"I don't care about the NBA season. I wish it had never started again," said a fan. "Actually, until I walked up here, I didn't know the lockout was over."

Even more were critical of the players and owners.

"I like the NBA, but it seems like who has got the most money and who can buy the best players and stuff like that. Get it back to the normal stuff, the good guys that can play basketball," a fan said.

"I think it is going to lose a lot of fans. People appreciate a sport that continues, that has a little consistency," said another.

Fans - or fans and their money - are most important in this deal. Every Pacers home game generates a million dollars in salaries and taxes for downtown business, if the owners and players sign a formal agreement and the season starts Christmas Day.

"Absolutely it is taking away from the fans and the fans are what they play for anyway," said another fan.

Pacers fans will have missed out on at least 14 home games and Indianapolis on millions of dollars.

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