With the NBA on hold, the league and players union are finalising a plan to withhold 25% of each player's salary starting on May 15, ESPN reported Friday.

The US sports broadcaster reported that formal ratification of the plan was underway.

The deal would provide a gradual reduction in player salaries should the "force majeure" provision in the collective bargaining agreement be enacted with the cancellation of regular season games.

Although no games have been played since March 11, players have continued to receive their full salaries and are to receive their full wages on May 1.

Under the plan, money withheld would be set aside and paid out to players if all of the remaining regular-season games are played.

If games must be cancelled, teams would keep a percentage of the money based on how many games are lost.