NEW YORK (Feb. 6, 2025) – The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) today announced that David Kelly has been named Managing Director and General Counsel at the NBPA. In this role, Kelly bolsters the Union’s veteran leadership team with more than a decade of experience at the Golden State Warriors, where he served as Chief Legal Officer, Business and Basketball and Chief Business Officer of Golden State Entertainment.

"We are thrilled to have David Kelly step into this critical position on our Leadership Team," said Andre Iguodala, Executive Director of the NBPA. "His unique background will allow us to enhance services for our members in new and creative ways as we transform our enterprise. The immense value of our players continues to expand – both on and off the court – with the global growth of basketball. It is critical that we continue to diversify our expertise to meet their evolving needs."

As Managing Director and General Counsel, Kelly will lead all legal matters for the NBPA, uniting the Union, THINK450 and NBPA Foundation, while overseeing the strategic direction of the NBPA. Kelly’s path through the industry uniquely positions him for this role.

At the Warriors, he oversaw many of the company’s key initiatives from negotiating key sponsorship and licensing deals, to handling the property acquisition, entitlement and construction of Chase Center, to standing up Golden State Entertainment (GSE), a first-of-its-kind content arm developing film, music and culture for the Warriors and Valkyries. Prior to launching GSE, Kelly managed the team’s salary cap, and all matters related to the CBA and oversaw the team’s player development efforts.

“The energy and enthusiasm at the NBPA is palpable and the opportunities for our players are virtually endless,” said Kelly. “I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work advocating on behalf of the players, who drive culture globally and embody all that is great about the game.”

Bolstering legal resources and capabilities is a strategic priority for the Union. With the addition of Kelly’s role, Ron Klempner will transition into a specialized role as Senior Counsel, Labor Relations. With more than three decades of experience at the NBPA driving negotiations with the League for the past six Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), Klempner’s deep expertise and influence will continue to serve the Union in his new capacity.

Prior to joining the Warriors, Kelly was a partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP where he advised clients on acquisitions, securities law compliance, and corporate governance matters. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Kelly also has a passion for music and was recently named a Top Player in Music & Sports by Billboard magazine.

Kelly is finishing out with the Warriors through NBA All-Star Weekend in the Bay Area and will officially start at the NBPA at the beginning of March.

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 advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, counseling players on benefits, and educating on post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the group licensing and partnership engine of the NBPA. With more than 80 active partnerships, THINK450 is dedicated to uncovering shared interests between players and leading brands to build more engaging collaborations.

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: communications@nbpa.com