NBPA Press Release

New York, NY – April 7, 2014 - The NBPA announced today that Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson will chair a search committee to select its new Executive Director.

Mayor Johnson, a 12-year NBA veteran and 3-time All-Star, agreed to chair the search committee after speaking with NBPA President Chris Paul and each member of the NBPA Executive Committee.

“Growing up I used to watch Mayor Kevin Johnson run the point for the Phoenix Suns and I’m thrilled he’ll now be able to assist us in our search for an Executive Director,” NBPA President Paul said. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done in the meantime, and grateful he can now lead that effort across the finish line. Mayor Johnson is in a unique position as a former player and someone skilled in the politics of negotiations to lead this effort. We all witnessed his herculean efforts to save his hometown Sacramento Kings from relocating, and I’m confident he’ll bring the same leadership to our search for a new Executive Director.”

"I am honored to be asked by the NBA Players Association to help lead the process of selecting a new Executive Director," said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.  "I have a deep passion for the NBA and the promise it has for everyone connected to it. Everything I've been able to achieve in life was a result of embracing the opportunities that I had as an NBA player.  

Mayor Johnson will chair a search committee of outside professionals with unique NBPA and executive search connections and experiences to guide the Executive Committee. The expectation is to have a new Executive Director installed before the start of next season.

“As the league continues to reach amazing heights in global popularity, the new Executive Director and the team he or she puts together has a critical role to play.  I believe the NBPA can set the standard for player representation in all professional sports.  I thank President Chris Paul and the entire Executive Committee for the opportunity.  Over the next few weeks I will be meeting with all of the player representatives and moving aggressively to build on the work that's been done," Mayor Johnson added.

As part of the search, Mayor Johnson and the Search Committee will continue an inclusive, exhaustive and effective process that will result in the selection and hiring of that individual.  At the request of President Paul, Mayor Johnson will meet or speak with a broad group of stakeholders in order to gain their insights on the executive director search. The Search Committee will work closely with President Paul, the Executive Committee, Acting Director Ron Klempner and the NBPA staff to ensure that players and agents are consistently apprised of the plan and pending decisions at all times. 

As the search process continues, the NBPA also announced the appointment of Kyle Korver to fill the lone vacancy on its Executive Committee.  Korver has been one of the longest-tenured Player Representatives, currently serving on behalf of the Atlanta Hawks and will now serve as Vice-President.  Korver joins President Paul, First Vice President Roger Mason, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer James Jones, and Vice Presidents Steve Blake, Stephen Curry, Willie Green, Andre Iguodala, and Anthony Tolliver, as part of the nine-member Executive Committee.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court. 

In addition, the NBPA provides a forum for players to participate in union activities in a number of facets. From executive leadership roles, to team representative positions, global community outreach initiatives and more, the NBPA offers each NBA player the opportunity to get involved in the democratic institution that was created for, continues to exist for and is run by them.