Players in the NBA G League and the NBPA are "having serious discussions about unionizing" in a move that "could be the first step toward collectively bargaining," according to sources cited by Shams Charania of THE ATHLETIC. Sources said that the NBPA met with select G League players last season at the annual Showcase in Las Vegas as an "introduction and informational practice," and union officials are "expected to meet with many more players this week during this year's Showcase to continue discussions." A formal vote on unionizing "would take place following the Showcase." G League officials have been "aware of the possibility and have been in dialogue" with NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts "about the union's support for G League players." Sources said that among G League players and agents, the "hope with unionizing would be increased salaries for players, freedom of player movement, work benefits, and having a voice on their behalf on issues of discipline and contract structures." The NBPA is "unsure what could be changed" in potential talks with the NBA and G League, but "creating a union provides the option for dialogue" (THEATHLETIC.com, 12/16).
