NEW YORK (AP) - The NBA is locked in a legal battle with origins in a bygone era of short shorts, tight tops and big hair.

The dispute stems from an antitrust lawsuit filed in 1970 by legends like Oscar Robertson and Bill Bradley that challenged the merger of the NBA and ABA.

A provision in a 1976 settlement requires the NBA to share network television revenue with the former owners of the defunct St. Louis Spirits for the life of the league. Last year, the owners accused the NBA of withholding their fair share of newer revenue from international and cable broadcasts.

A judge heard arguments from both sides Thursday in federal court in Manhattan. She told lawyers to try to resolve their differences outside court.