The National Basketball Players Association is pushing back against the NBA’s second apron system, with executive director David Kelly calling for significant changes after arguing that the current rules are forcing franchises to make financial decisions instead of basketball decisions.
“We are not fans of the second apron,” said Kelly. “We did not propose the second apron. We should have done a better job of fighting back against the second apron.
“In the future, we will have a much more unified union, and we will do a better job of fighting back. … We’re seeing [the apron system] decimate teams and force decisions to be made that are not basketball decisions.”
Kelly, who became the NBPA’s executive director in February after replacing Andre Iguodala, also rejected commissioner Adam Silver’s claim that the second apron promotes parity.
Instead, he argued the system introduced in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement was primarily designed to limit spending on player salaries.
NBPA president Fred VanVleet echoed those concerns, saying dissatisfaction with the current system extends beyond the players.
“We’ve seen more teams, GMs, front offices, owners and agents have issues and concerns with the apron as well,” said VanVleet. “It’s almost a consensus that it’s something that needs to be addressed.”
According to Kelly, any changes to the salary cap structure would require agreement between the league and the players’ union, with the next negotiation window opening after the 2028-29 season.
NBPA Director David Kelly Wants Second Apron 'Softened' Or Removed https://t.co/sAoS81VuW3
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