Vincent Laforet/The New York Times

An announcement of a deal in the protracted negotiations between NBC and Conan O’Brien could come as early as later tonight, representatives of both sides said Sunday.

The basic elements of the deal are complete, both sides said, and all that remains are several legal issues, which are being discussed by lawyers for each side, and how some staff members of Mr. O’Brien’s “Tonight” show who do not have separate contracts will receive severance.

The issues could push the announcement off one more day, one representative said, though it is doubtful anything could derail the settlement at this point. Both sides are now eager to conclude the deal, each representative said.



The financial terms include a payment of about $40 million by NBC, though Mr. O’Brien will not personally receive all of that. A portion will also go to staff members who have contracts of their own, one representative said.

The agreement is also expected to allow Mr. O’Brien to work again in television by September, if not sooner. Though no talks have been held with any potential suitors, executives at the Fox network have publicly expressed interest in talking to Mr. O’Brien once he is legally free to do so.