David Kelly named executive director of NBPA

Field Level Media|published: Sat 14th February, 14:07 2026

Jan 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; A basketball goes through the hoop before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

David Kelly was elected the next executive director of the National Basketball Players Association.

Kelly, who has been the NBPA's managing director and general counsel since February 2025, will succeed Andre Iguodala, who will step down from the position at the end of his term in July, the union announced Friday.

"David Kelly is a transformational leader and one of the most respected legal minds in the game," Iguodala said. "I am pleased the players recognize he is the right person to unapologetically fight for them."

Kelly, who came to the NBPA after working on the business and legal side for the Golden State Warriors, served as a close adviser to Iguodala and NBPA president Fred VanVleet while overseeing all legal matters and the strategic direction of the organization

"I am honored that the players have trusted me to lead this next chapter alongside our dedicated executive committee," Kelly said. "The energy and momentum Andre has built has created an incredible opportunity for our players."

Kelly's tenure as executive director could include overseeing the addition of expansion franchises and leading the union through the collective bargaining agreement with team owners, which is set to expire in 2030 but could come up earlier as either side can opt out in 2029. During part of his time with the Warriors, Kelly managed the team's salary cap and oversaw all matters related to the CBA.

--Field Level Media

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