• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 15, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver attends the Emirates NBA Cup Final between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena.

Silver Says NBA Europe Won’t Be ‘Viable Commercial Enterprise’ for a While

He also addressed EuroLeague’s legal warning, saying a clash is not “inevitable.”
Jan 14, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) in the first half at Intuit Dome.

Clippers Suddenly NBA’s Hottest Team As Cap Investigation Continues

The Clippers have the NBA’s best record since Christmas.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium.

Texans-Steelers Blowout Drew 29.1M Viewers for ESPN

Viewership rose sharply from the comparable game a year ago.
Rich Paul

Rich Paul Pitches NBA Trades on Podcast: ‘Insane and Fucked Up’

Paul proposed trading Austin Reaves on his podcast. 

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Jan 25, 2012; Melbourne, AUSTRALIA; A general view of Rod Laver Arena during the match between Novak Djokovic (SRB) and David Ferrer (ESP) on day ten of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

Australian Open’s Rising Popularity Also Brings Growing Pains

As attendance soars at the tennis major, so have fan complaints.
January 15, 2026

Alex Morgan Leads Investor Group for Women’s Indoor Golf League

The former USWNT soccer star is expanding her sports portfolio.
Fiebich
January 15, 2026

Project B Tokyo Stop Could Conflict With Proposed WNBA Start Date

The WNBA is seeking a much earlier start in CBA negotiations.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Bryson
exclusive
January 15, 2026

NFL, PGA Tour Won’t Let Players Endorse Prediction Markets

The leagues aren’t swayed by Kalshi’s deal with Bryson DeChambeau.
Nov 22, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) looks to pass against Gotham FC during the second half at PayPal Park.
January 14, 2026

NWSL Union Files Grievance Over League’s ‘Rodman Rule’ for Star Players

The NWSLPA says the league “never negotiated” the workaround with the union.
Phil Mickelson of Team HyFlyers GC hits off the fifth tee during the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship semifinals at The Cardinal at St. John’s in Plymouth on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
January 14, 2026

LIV Golf Envisions $1B Franchises, but Not Ready to Sell Ownership Stakes

There are 13 four-player LIV Golf teams.
Jan 13, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; A general view of Court 3 during the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
January 14, 2026

Australian Open Lands a Hit With 1 Point Slam

Australian amateur Jordan Smith won $668,500.