Roberts is midway through her second four-year term, and is set to hold office until '22GETTY IMAGES
The NBPA said that it has "begun looking for a successor" to Exec Dir Michele Roberts, the "first woman to lead a union for any of the major U.S. pro sports leagues," according to Tim Reynolds of the AP. Roberts is "midway through her second and what will be her final four-year term and is set to hold office" until '22. No timetable for "finding a replacement was announced." Roberts said, "When I agreed to a second contract as executive director, I made clear that I would not be seeking a third" (AP, 3/6). The NBPA is working with Dechert LLP and Heidrick & Struggles to identify and evaluate candidates. Nominations and resumes can be sent to NBPAED@heidrick.com (NBPA). In Boston, Gary Wasburn wrote this is a "critical time for the NBA, with the collective bargaining agreement running through 2023-24 and the health of the league never better." It has been a "decorated six-year run for Roberts." NBPA President Chris Paul "credited Roberts for revitalizing the union." TV ratings this season are down, but there are "major issues such as marijuana use and the age limit for entering the draft" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/8).
