Stern isn't expected to rule for up to two weeks. Neither the NBA nor the Knicks would comment on the arbitration hearing at the league office. Joe Glass, Brown's agent, said he wouldn't comment for ``another 10 days or two weeks.''

Brown presided over a tumultuous 23-win season and was fired June 22. The Knicks are attempting to void the remaining four years on his contract, worth about $40 million.

Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan contends Brown was fired for violating terms of his contract by trying to make unauthorized trades and criticizing players in the media.

Brown says he should be paid the $40 million plus $12 million in legal fees and damages. Brown's contract designated Stern as the arbitrator in any financial dispute with the Knicks.

Isiah Thomas, the Knicks coach and general manager, hired Brown in the summer of 2005 in a celebrated move that was supposed to revive a team that has not won an NBA championship since 1973.

Instead, the Knicks finished 23-59, the second-worst record in the NBA, and matched the most losses in club history. Brown was critical of his players and publicly feuded with star guard Stephon Marbury.