In this Jan 9, 2013 photo, a detailed view of the Spalding ball with NBA logo is seen during the game between the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. (GARRETT ELLWOOD / NBAE / GETTY IMAGES / AFP)

BERLIN - Team owners and the NBA players’ association have agreed on a shortened season to allow players from the world’s best league to compete in next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday.

The Tokyo Games were due to be held in 2020 but were postponed to start in July 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic

“The owners of NBA teams have agreed with the players’ association on an early and shortened NBA season starting on Dec. 22,” Bach told a news conference.

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“This will allow the best basketball players to play at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“This is what the players want. This is what the movement wants and may National Olympic Committees want very much. It is excellent news.”

The Tokyo Games were due to be held in 2020 but were postponed to start in July 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.