Right now, NBA player salaries are up, marketing opportunities have increased, and the players feel like the union is backing them on the important issues (such as backing their expression of political or other opinions).
When things are goint well, the person in charge usually keeps their job.
Which is what has happened for Michele Roberts, who got a new four-year contract to lead the National Basketball Players’ Association.
It's official.
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) July 10, 2018
Michele Roberts was re-elected as Executive Director of the NBPA for another 4-year term. pic.twitter.com/DyDUNCU5Dx
.@CP3 on her re-election:
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) July 10, 2018
“Our goal when we hired Michele was to take back our union." “With her leadership and guidance, we have not only accomplished that but we have also established the NBPA as one of the strongest and most active unions in all of professional sports.
“I am honored that the players have put their trust in me for another four years,” Roberts said in a statement. “It has been a pleasure to work on their behalf and I believe we as a union have accomplished a lot in addition to negotiating the latest collective bargaining agreement. I look forward to continuing to serve the best interests of the players by using my voice and my position to advocate on their behalf.”
Roberts took over for Billy Hunter, who was battling an image of nepotism and institutionalized power. Players wanted a change, they got it — and clearly they like what they have.
Roberts also has a good working relationship with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver — they don’t see eye to eye on everything (not even close), but they can work together. That matters.
