NBPA Executive Director Highlights Revenue Concerns with NBA Europe
David Kelly, the newly appointed executive director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), has raised significant concerns regarding the NBA's plans for NBA Europe, which is expected to launch prior to the 2027/28 season. In a recent interview, he stated that players are not receiving a share of the revenue generated by this new venture.
Kelly emphasized that the league is being built on the contributions of current and former NBA players, yet they are excluded from the financial benefits. He mentioned that while the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may allow this, future negotiations could change that. He believes players should receive a fair share of the revenue, although he does not advocate for the same percentage they receive from the NBA's basketball-related income.
In addition to the revenue issue, Kelly reiterated the union's opposition to the second tax apron rules in the current CBA, which he argues have negatively impacted player contracts. He expressed that the system disproportionately affects players while owners remain unaffected. Kelly also discussed the NBA's new draft lottery system aimed at reducing tanking, acknowledging the league's efforts but remaining skeptical about its effectiveness.