The new president of the NBA players union has been elected!

Fred VanVleet begins a new chapter in his career. The Houston Rockets point guard has just been elected president of the NBA Players Association (NBPA), succeeding CJ McCollum who had held this position since 2021. This appointment comes just weeks after his extension with the Rockets, giving the 2019 NBA champion a new leadership role.

A four-year term to represent players

The undrafted player who became champion with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 will now have the mission to best represent the league’s 450 players. His role will be to negotiate and make decisions that primarily serve their interests when dealing with franchise owners. This is a significant challenge for someone who has always distinguished himself through his leadership both on and off the court.

CJ McCollum, who leaves the presidency after four years in office, isn’t completely stepping away from the union created in 1954. According to ESPN, the former president becomes an advisor to the organization. His main achievement during his tenure remains the successful negotiation of the current collective bargaining agreement in 2023, a crucial deal for the league’s future.

A renewed leadership team

Fred VanVleet is surrounded by a leadership team of experienced players. Grant Williams serves as first vice-president, while Mason Plumlee becomes secretary-treasurer. Vice-president positions are assigned to Jaylen Brown, Jaren Jackson Jr, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Garrett Temple and Gabe Vincent.

This election confirms VanVleet’s status as a natural leader, who has established himself as an example for many young players. His unique journey, from undrafted player to NBA champion and now union president, perfectly illustrates his ability to overcome obstacles and unite people around him.