NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2026) — The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) today announced a series of key executive appointments and internal promotions under NBPA Executive Director David Kelly, reinforcing the NBPA’s commitment to building a world-class, player-centric organization. 

Leading these moves is 14-year NBA veteran and three-time NBA Champion Shaun Livingston, who has been appointed Executive Vice President, Player Relations & Head of Elite Youth. In addition to his focus on the growth of the PA’s elite youth vertical, this newly expanded role positions Livingston as the key player advisor to Kelly and the NBPA Executive Committee.  As a member of the leadership team, Livingston is tasked with driving player participation and ensuring that every major organizational decision continues to keep players at the center. 

“Shaun is uniquely positioned to drive our efforts to deepen player engagement and relationships,” said David Kelly, NBPA Executive Director. “With Shaun and more former players stepping into key roles, alongside a dedicated senior executive team, the NBPA has the right foundation to serve our members on every front.” 

Livingston brings a comprehensive understanding of the game, both on the court and in the front office, to the NBPA’s leadership team. Drafted fourth overall in 2004, he was an integral part of the Golden State Warriors dynasty that reached five consecutive NBA Finals and captured three NBA Championships (2015, 2017, 2018). Following his retirement, Livingston transitioned to the Warriors’ front office as Director of Player Affairs and Engagement. For the past two years, he has spearheaded the NBPA’s elite youth initiatives while serving as a trusted advisor to former NBPA Executive Director Andre Iguodala. 

“Throughout my playing career and my time in the front office, my priority has always been supporting the brotherhood,” said Livingston. “After years of improving our player relationships, our collective is stronger than it has ever been. I’m honored to step into this expanded role alongside David and the Executive Committee to continue driving player engagement and making sure their voices are leading the conversation.” 

Additionally, effective January 2027, 11-year NBA veteran Eddy Curry and 13-year NBA veteran Wilson Chandler will complete the NBPA’s Player Rotational Program and officially join the PA’s Player Operations team, where they will serve as trusted peer leaders and advisors to NBPA members through every stage of their journey, from rookie year to post-retirement life. The NBPA’s Player Rotational Program is an immersive fellowship designed to prepare former NBA players for post-playing business careers. Through strategic projects and executive mentorship, the program equips former athletes to translate their on-court leadership into front-office and corporate success. 

“The NBPA’s Rotational Program gave me a front-row seat to the incredible work this union does to protect and empower our guys,” said Curry. “Having lived this journey from draft night to life after basketball, I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and help our players navigate every stage of their careers.” 

“I joined the NBPA’s Rotational Program to prepare for a career as a scout, but the PA's player-first approach inspired me to shift toward player development,” said Chandler. “I look forward to using my experience as a player and the tools I received from the program to support players throughout their NBA journeys.”  

Former NBPA Executive Committee Vice President and nine-year NBA veteran Malcolm Brogdon is also joining the organization as a Senior Advisor and Consultant. Reporting to Kelly, the former Rookie of the Year (2017) and Sixth Man of the Year (2023) will advise on organizational strategy, player relations, and NBPA Foundation fundraising partnerships.  

“Serving on the Executive Committee showed me firsthand the power of what we can accomplish when players are united and engaged,” said Brogdon. “I’m excited to continue that work alongside David in this advisory capacity, helping shape the union’s strategic vision while expanding the reach and philanthropic impact of the NBPA Foundation. 

Alongside the appointments of Livingston, Curry and Chandler, as well as Brogdon’s advisory role, the NBPA announced several key additions and promotions across its senior leadership team: 

• Zade Shakir — Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff: Joining the NBPA’s senior leadership team, Shakir serves as a principal advisor to Kelly, responsible for prioritizing critical organizational initiatives, driving strategy through execution, and optimizing internal operations to better deliver for union members. Shakir arrives following five years with the Golden State organization, most recently as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel — where he advised ownership and executive leadership across the Golden State Warriors, Golden State Valkyries, Santa Cruz Warriors, Chase Center, Thrive City, and Golden State Entertainment. 

• Sam Burum — Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs: Burum has been named EVP of Legal Affairs, where he will spearhead the NBPA’s legal team, oversee all legal strategy for the union, and play a key role in collective bargaining. 

• Mujtaba Elgoodah — Executive Vice President, Strategy & Team Relations: Elevated to EVP, Elgoodah will lead organizational strategy while overseeing the NBPA’s Operations, IT/Digital, and Events functions. 

• Jacinda Ortiz — Senior Vice President, Head of Communications: Elevated to SVP, Ortiz will lead all external and internal communications, social and digital media strategy, and brand positioning across both the NBPA and PLYRS UNTD. 

About the NBPA 

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’s mission is to protect and advance the rights of our players. They are the game.   

The NBPA Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members by supporting and assisting people, communities and organizations worldwide. It spotlights and amplifies the global initiatives of professional basketball players, driving positive change through community building, charitable endeavors and social entrepreneurship. For more information, visit www.nbpa.com and follow @thenbpa on social.  

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Media Contact: 

Chris El-Dabh, chris.el-dabh@nbpa.com