Wednesday, May 6, 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

ESPN Revenue Rises, but Disney’s Sports Profits Slip

Disney detailed the impact of heightened sports rights fees on the company.
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives past Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.

First Round of NBA Playoffs Reaches 33-Year Viewership High

Game 7 of the 76ers-Celtics series averaged 11 million viewers.
Dave Checketts

Former Knicks Pres: Leagues, Sportsbooks Have Gotten Too Cozy

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing, this coziness that we’ve established.”

Featured Today

Tottenham Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.

NFL Nears Referee Deal to Avoid Another ‘Fail Mary’ Disaster

The public vitriol between the two sides has lessened considerably.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May talks with his team Monday, April 6, 2026, during the NCAA men's basketball tournament national championship game against the UConn Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
May 5, 2026

Dusty May Draws Interest From Multiple NBA Teams

May coached Michigan to the national title in April.
May 6, 2026

Midge Purce on NWSL’s Rodman Rule: ‘I Hate It So Much’

The rule helped keep Trinity Rodman in the NWSL.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 5, 2026

LIV CEO Says League’s Value Lies in the Teams As Saudi Era Nears End

The league is looking for new investors in its 13 teams.
May 4, 2026

Europe’s Soccer Giants Keep Winning—and Are Cashing In

The Big Five leagues of European soccer are again led by financial giants.
May 4, 2026

WNBA Slightly Raises Technical, Flagrant Foul Fines for 2026 Season

The league will also fine players for flopping.
Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors vice chairman and team president Masai Ujiri talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026

Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri To Replace Nico Harrison

Ujiri was the general manager of the Raptors’ 2019 title team.