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G League players and the National Basketball Players Association are having serious discussions about unionizing.

The NBPA met with select G League players last season at the annual Showcase in Las Vegas as an introduction and informational practice.

A formal vote on the G League players union would take place after the Showcase.

“We support the players’ right to unionize,” G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim told The Athletic. “We view this as a positive thing and are looking to continue to grow our league for the players to develop and accomplish their dreams.”

Agents and players hope unionizing would result in increased salaries for players, freedom of player movement, work benefits, and having a voice on their behalf on issues of discipline and contract structures.

Via Shams Charania/The Athletic

Agents and players hope unionizing would result in increased salaries for players, freedom of player movement, work benefits, and having a voice on their behalf on issues of discipline and contract structures.

In other words, this will lead to the owners shutting it down once they realize they aren't making money any more.

RickB-Orlando wrote:

Agents and players hope unionizing would result in increased salaries for players, freedom of player movement, work benefits, and having a voice on their behalf on issues of discipline and contract structures.

In other words, this will lead to the owners shutting it down once they realize they aren't making money any more.

Minor league systems aren't exactly supposed to be "for profit". Generate a single pro and you paid for the entire venture.

Higher salaries also means fewer players that settle for International contracts, which has residual positive impacts on both leagues.

Rashidi wrote:

RickB-Orlando wrote:

Agents and players hope unionizing would result in increased salaries for players, freedom of player movement, work benefits, and having a voice on their behalf on issues of discipline and contract structures.

In other words, this will lead to the owners shutting it down once they realize they aren't making money any more.

Minor league systems aren't exactly supposed to be "for profit". Generate a single pro and you paid for the entire venture.

Higher salaries also means fewer players that settle for International contracts, which has residual positive impacts on both leagues.

The top 50 players last year earned an average of $225k after salary and call - up bonuses. How much should a top minor-league basketball player make?

The G League will be successful as long as the expectations remain realistic. If players start to expect the G League to be a bonus ridden payday, the league will likely fail. You’re correct in that the league is about developing players, but you’re incorrect if you believe minor league affiliates don’t need to be profitable. Look at baseball - minor league teams constantly struggle to break even. If they can’t, they either move elsewhere or fold and another team pops up elsewhere to support that development.

G-league players are stupid if they unionize. The g-league loses money. What is the Union's bargaining position? They should lose more money.