Monday, July 20, 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

Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) scores a basket during the second half against San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center.

Blazers and City Increasingly at Odds Over Arena Funding

The arena funding debate has devolved into a three-way fight.

Judge Hits Brakes on CBS Sports, TNT Sports Parent Merger

A judge approves a request for a temporary restraining order.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Silver Wants LeBron Decision So NBA Can Finalize Schedule

James’s free agency choice will help shape the NBA’s national TV schedule.
Gilbert Arenas Podcast Playmaker
Exclusive

Gilbert Arenas Podcast Lands at Playmaker After Underdog Exit

Arenas recently departed Underdog after three years.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFB Analyst ⁨Josh Pate⁩ on Michigan Chaos, ESPN, McAfee, the Trump Interview, & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

LIV Golf Returns After 47-Day Break, Facing $1.1M Lawsuit

A former technology partner is suing LIV Golf.
July 20, 2026

NFLPA Uses World Cup Final to Renew Push for Grass Fields

The union begins a coordinated campaign to pressure team owners.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
July 20, 2026

Rory McIlroy Tops Golf’s Major Prize Money List With $5.34M

McIlroy won $4.5 million at the Masters.
Exclusive
July 20, 2026

NFL Owners Expect New Deal for Roger Goodell

NFL media rights, labor talks make continuity a priority.
July 19, 2026

DeChambeau’s Open Performance Marred By Penalty Fallout

Many players had strong opinions on the DeChambeau situation.
July 19, 2026

Ryan Fox, 200-1 Underdog, Wins Open Championship for First Major

It’s the third win on the PGA Tour for Fox, but his first major victory.