The National Baskball Players’ Association (NBPA) has announced that the search for the successor of current Executive Director Michele Roberts will begin. Practicing forward thinking, the NBPA has acknowledged the importance of putting together a strategy for filling such a valuable role within the organization.
Roberts was elected in 2014 and has been instrumental in many of the changes that have taken place in the union through the implementation of programs for players post-career and successfully spearheading negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). She was the first woman to lead a union for any major U.S. pro sports leagues.
In agreeing to a second contract as Executive Director, Roberts made it known that a third round was not in the plans. Roberts stated that “the Executive Committee and I are committed to making certain my successor is thoroughly prepared to assume the position upon my departure from the NBPA and continue its sustained path for growth’.
Chris Paul, the current President of the NBPA stated that “a strong succession plan is critical to continuing our success.” Before joining the NBPA, Roberts was a lawyer for 40 years. Her accepting the position filled a role that had been vacant for over a year. Roberts credits gaining the support and trust of the players in the 2018 reelection as a critical factor in her success.
The current CBA is in place through the 2022-23 season, meaning that negotiations would be the successors responsibility. Roberts is currently under contract until 2022 so currently there is no timetable for finding a replacement.