NBPA elects David Kelly as union’s next executive director

The National Basketball Players Association has elected David Kelly as its next executive director, the union announced Friday. Kelly, who joined the NBPA as managing director and general counsel in February 2025, will succeed Andre Iguodala, who is stepping down as executive director at the end of his term in July.

Iguodala called Kelly “a transformational leader and one of the most respected legal minds in the game” in a statement released by the NBPA. “I am pleased the players recognize he is the right person to unapologetically fight for them,” said Iguodala, who took over as executive director in November 2023, shortly after he retired as a player. “I took this role to scale the union beyond its traditional limitations and build a truly player-centric entity. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made and will remain dedicated to our players long after my tenure ends.”

Kelly came to the NBPA from the Golden State Warriors, where he worked on the business and legal side.

“I am honored that the players have trusted me to lead this next chapter alongside our dedicated Executive Committee,” Kelly said in the NBPA statement. “The energy and momentum Andre has built has created an incredible opportunity for our players.”

Kelly is likely to help lead the players’ union through the next collective bargaining agreement with team owners. The current agreement expires in 2030, although either side can opt out in 2029. While the NBA has had less labor strife than other leagues in recent CBA cycles, the next negotiation will still come with high stakes. The players have held onto their roughly 50 percent share of basketball-related income in recent CBAs, but the current deal dramatically changed how the league’s salary cap and luxury tax function with the adoption of the second apron.

Kelly’s tenure as executive director could also coincide with the addition of new expansion franchises, which would mean more jobs and union members as the league’s economics change during a tumultuous time for local media rights.

Under Iguodala, the NBPA laid off a significant number of employees and began rebuilding after a period led by Tamika Tremaglio, Iguodala’s predecessor.

Now, Kelly will oversee what could become a pivotal period for the union.

— Rafe Bartholomew contributed to this story