Wednesday, June 3, 2026

NBA Players Association Assets Hit Record $428M

  • The NBPA reached over $400 million in assets, but took on substantial debts to get there.
  • The union is negotiating its next CBA with the NBA.
NBA-NBPA
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA players association saw both its assets and debts increase as it gears up for its next round of labor negotiations. 

NBPA assets hit a record $428.1 million in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022, per its annual filing with the Department of Labor.

  • That represented a 9.5% increase from the previous year.
  • Net assets tumbled 21.9% to $209.9 million as liabilities grew from $122.3 million to $218.2 million.
  • Most of that added debt came from increased licensing revenue withheld from players — money owed to players nearly doubled year-over-year to $199.9 million.

The NBPA and NBA are in the midst of negotiations around a new collective bargaining agreement. The league is seeking a harder salary cap, which the players oppose. 

Minnesota Timberwolves owner A-Rod stands court side

A-Rod, Lore Buy Another 20% of Minnesota NBA, WNBA Teams

Lore and A-Rod will own 40% after the transaction.
December 30, 2022

Mind The Cap 

The cap for this season is $123.6 million, but teams may exceed that figure to retain players through contract extensions. Teams over the cap are not only limited in trades and signings, but have to pay a luxury tax.

All but four teams are currently over the cap. The Golden State Warriors are $78.4 million in excess, followed by the Brooklyn Nets at $70.9 million.

League revenues are expected to grow substantially with the next media rights package, which could triple the current deals with Disney and TNT that currently pay the league $2.6 billion annually.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Adam Silver: NBA Europe ‘On Track’ to Launch Next Year

The commissioner also commented on the Aspiration investigation.

The $3 Million Player Who Changed The Spurs Season

The Spurs went 39–11 with Julian Champagnie as a starter.
Jun 2, 2026; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks over during practice on media day for the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.

Will There Be a Wemby Effect for NBA Finals in France?

France will have two Finals broadcasters for the first time.

Featured Today

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.
Frances Cabral-Delaney
May 29, 2026

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
May 28, 2026

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field
May 28, 2026

Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever

Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?

MLB Owners Hold Firm On Salary Cap, Cite ‘Failure’ With Luxury Tax

Rising willingness by teams to pay the tax prompts a new approach.
June 3, 2026

U.S. Women’s Open Becomes the Richest Event in Women’s Golf—Again

The prize money sets a new record for a single women’s golf tournament.
June 3, 2026

WNBA Player Drops Out of Project B to Play in Turkey

Project B also signed another French player: Leïla Lacan.
Sponsored

Landon Donovan: What Soccer in America Still Needs

Landon Donovan discusses the evolution of soccer in America and investing in the NWSL.
June 3, 2026

How the NBA Got Its Trophy Back on Finals Courts

The trophy hasn’t appeared on the court since the 2009 Finals. 
June 3, 2026

NHL Projects Record $8B in Revenue—Sees Bigger Growth Ahead

The league is seeing across-the-board revenue increases.
June 2, 2026

NHL Plans to Reinvent All-Star Weekend With International Twist

The restructured format echoes the wildly successful 4 Nations Face-Off.
June 2, 2026

Deion Sanders Says Cowboys Coaching Rumors ‘Weren’t Real’

Sanders has coached three seasons at Colorado.