Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer expects a year-end boost to its basketball footwear business following the end of the NBA lockout in the United States. Said Hainer, “Without any doubt, the start of the season in December will help us to continue our growth momentum and finish the year strong in the largest basketball markets, North America and Greater China.”

The statement was given to Reuters. A new collective bargaining agreement was reached over the weekend. The league plans a 66-game season to start on Christmas Day.

Adidas said its overall sales of basketball products in North America were up 21 percent in the first nine months of the year, compared with an 11 percent rise for the division on a global basis.