The NBA’s version of the minor leagues is in discussion to form a union.
According to ESPN, the National Basketball Players Association is meeting with NBA G League players and agents during this week’s G League Showcase in Las Vegas.
ESPN reported that NBA and G League officials have been aware of – and shown support for – the plan to unionize.
"We support the players' right to unionize," G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim told ESPN in a statement. "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."
The G League has continually developed into more of a minor league farm system. There are about 300 players in the 2019-20 G League season, while each of the 28 teams is affiliated with or owned by an NBA team. The Mexico City Capitanes will join the league next season.
According to Fox Business, G League players earned a base salary of $7,000 per month during the 2018-19 season, which lasts five months. Players can also sign two-way contracts, which are worth between $77,250 and $385,000 per season and pay a prorated amount based on if the player is currently on a G League or NBA roster. A two-way contract allows for 45 days on an NBA team and the rest in the G League.
The league had eight teams when it was formed in 2001 as the National Basketball Development League. It was known as the NBA Development League from 2005 until Gatorade became the title sponsor in 2017.
