New NBA and NBPA collective agreement

The NBA League and its professional players (NBPA) have recently agreed upon a new collective bargaining agreement effective until the 2029/2030 season. This agreement, presented in April of this year, will come into effect during the upcoming summer free agency period. Interestingly, the deal includes a mutual option to terminate the agreement after the sixth year.

Starting this Saturday, the seven-year contract will be in effect, which coincides with the opening day of the summer transfer window.

Either party can end the contract before its expiration, but they must give notice by October 15, 2028, at the latest.

One of the essential parts of this agreement is that it restricts high-spending teams from excessively increasing their salary and luxury tax expenses while allowing them to add talented players. To balance this out, the new CBA creates more chances for most teams, regardless of their salary cap status. Teams with lower and middle payrolls will have access to additional trade and spending opportunities, such as more extensive trade exceptions and expanded exceptions to the salary cap.

In addition, there are plans to introduce tournaments during the season, much like cups in soccer. This in-season tournament is set to launch as early as the 2023-24 season. It will feature pool-play games integrated into the regular-season schedule beginning in November. Eight teams will progress to a single-elimination tournament in December, with the Final Four taking place at a neutral venue. Las Vegas is currently being considered as a top location for the event.

The regulations regarding the consumption of marijuana, which has been legalized in some states in the US, are being relaxed. Additionally, the guidelines outline players’ requirements if they want to invest in cannabis-selling or sports-betting companies.