In a significant moment for player empowerment and league leadership, Fred VanVleet has officially been named President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The move positions VanVleet not only as a key veteran voice on the court, but now also off the court, as he leads the union through one of the most complex and high-stakes eras in NBA history.
VanVleet, the undrafted guard out of Wichita State who has built a career through grit, intelligence, and leadership, now takes over from CJ McCollum, who served as NBPA President from 2021 until 2024. In assuming this leadership role, VanVleet becomes one of the few active players to hold such an influential position in league governance while continuing to play at a high level on the court with the Houston Rockets.
VanVleet’s Rise as a Leader
VanVleet’s journey from undrafted prospect to NBA champion and max-contract player has been defined by defying expectations. But his work off the court has mirrored that same drive. He’s been deeply involved in union matters in recent years, gaining a reputation for being well-informed, principled, and unafraid to speak on complex business and legal issues affecting players.
The NBPA Executive Committee voted VanVleet into the role during its summer meeting, citing his communication skills, dedication to player issues, and ability to unify voices across the league as deciding factors. VanVleet will now help lead the union in negotiations with the league office, set policy positions on labor issues, and guide collective strategy on topics ranging from health and safety protocols to TV rights and revenue splits.
The Legacy of Leadership
Past NBPA presidents have included major NBA names like Chris Paul, Derek Fisher, and Paul Silas. But what all effective presidents have in common is the ability to work with both stars and role players, to ensure every voice in the locker room has a seat at the table.
“Fred has always had a sense of responsibility to his teammates, to the league, and to the players who are still trying to make it,” said one former teammate who played alongside VanVleet in Toronto. “He studies the business side of the league just like he studies film — with purpose.”
This isn’t VanVleet’s first involvement with the NBPA. He’s served as a Vice President on the Executive Committee since 2022, where he worked closely with McCollum and other key union leaders during the 2023 collective bargaining negotiations. That experience will now serve him well as he takes on the top job.
Challenges Ahead
VanVleet steps into the presidency during a transitional period for the NBA. While the league enjoys record global viewership and expanding international markets, it also faces critical questions about player health, game schedules, and compensation models for younger and developing players. VanVleet’s background — being a second-round hopeful who worked his way up — makes him acutely aware of how decisions impact every tier of the league.
Perhaps the biggest topic on the horizon is the NBA’s next national TV rights deal, which could be worth more than $70 billion over the next decade. How players benefit from that windfall will depend heavily on how the union negotiates revenue sharing and salary cap smoothing.
According to a recent report by Sportico, the NBPA is aiming to ensure that players maintain a stable share of basketball-related income (BRI) and avoid salary cap spikes that could destabilize competitive balance, as occurred after the 2016 cap jump.
VanVleet’s Vision
At his introductory press conference, VanVleet emphasized his commitment to transparency and unity. He signaled that under his leadership, the union would prioritize long-term financial health for all players and expand educational tools so that every player — from All-Star to two-way contract — can navigate the business of the league effectively.
“This league has given us an incredible platform, and we owe it to ourselves and to future players to protect and grow that platform with intelligence and unity,” VanVleet said. “My job is to listen, to learn, and to lead with purpose. I’m not here to be the loudest voice — I’m here to make sure every voice is heard.”
VanVleet also plans to expand mental health initiatives, improve post-career resources for retirees, and continue advocating for social justice programs supported by the NBPA’s Foundation. His focus on the holistic well-being of players is already earning praise across the league.
From Undrafted to Union President
Fred VanVleet’s personal story underscores the importance of the NBPA’s mission. He went undrafted in 2016 despite a standout college career, earning his place in the NBA through hard-nosed defense, clutch shooting, and tireless preparation. In 2019, he helped the Toronto Raptors capture their first NBA Championship, and in 2020, he signed a four-year, $85 million deal — at the time, the largest ever for an undrafted player.
His ascension within the NBPA mirrors that same progression — he didn’t campaign for attention but earned respect from his peers through actions. VanVleet’s ability to connect with role players, G League hopefuls, and max-level stars alike makes him a rare kind of leader.
As Andscape noted in a feature last year, VanVleet is one of the few current players who can sit at the table with league governors, agents, and business executives without losing sight of the player’s perspective.
Player Reaction
Initial reactions from around the league have been overwhelmingly positive. Several players took to media and social platforms to voice their support, including current NBPA Vice Presidents Grant Williams and Tyrese Haliburton, who both highlighted VanVleet’s commitment to inclusivity and preparation.
“Fred understands what it means to work for everything you get,” Haliburton said in a video posted by the NBPA. “He’s been through every part of the league experience. I trust him to represent us because he’s lived it.”
Veterans also view the appointment as a strategic move. VanVleet’s playing style and demeanor command respect, and his willingness to speak plainly — without grandstanding — has made him an ideal consensus builder.
Continuing CJ McCollum’s Work
VanVleet inherits a strong foundation laid by McCollum, who helped guide the NBPA through the pandemic-era CBA revisions, revenue disruptions, and social justice efforts following the 2020 Orlando bubble. McCollum’s collaborative approach with the league office helped stabilize labor relations while maintaining player autonomy and voice.
VanVleet has made clear that his presidency will build on that legacy. He’s expected to prioritize transparency, continuing the NBPA’s open dialogue approach that has seen union reps and staff engage players directly through town halls, newsletters, and team visits.
Looking Forward
With the next round of national and international broadcast contracts looming, the NBPA will be negotiating in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The rise of streaming platforms, international digital viewership, and athlete-driven content platforms like Uninterrupted and PlayersTV are changing how revenue is generated — and how it’s shared.
VanVleet will need to navigate this shift while balancing the demands of current players, retired members, and the larger ecosystem of agents, sponsors, and team executives. His track record suggests he’s up to the task.
Final Thoughts
Fred VanVleet’s appointment as NBPA President is not just a symbolic moment; it’s a strategic one. It represents a union that values intellect, resilience, and relatability — qualities VanVleet embodies. As he takes the helm, players can expect thoughtful leadership grounded in experience, equity, and empowerment.
Whether it’s negotiating billion-dollar deals or helping a rookie understand his first contract, VanVleet now stands as the players’ champion. And if his playing career is any indication, he’ll approach the job the only way he knows how: with discipline, toughness, and a refusal to be outworked.
As the next chapter of NBA labor relations begins, the league will be watching — and listening — to Fred VanVleet.
