At a critical moment for player empowerment and league leadership, Fred Vanvriet was officially appointed president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The move has also been out of court as Vanvleet not only as a key veteran voice in court, but also as he leads the union through one of the most complicated and high-stakes eras in NBA history.
Van Vriet, an undrafted security guard in Wichita, who has built his career through grit, intelligence and leadership, has taken over from CJ McCollum, who served as president of the NBPA from 2021 to 2024.
Vanvleet’s rise as a leader
Vanvleet’s journey from undrafted prospects to NBA champions and maximum contract players is defined by opposing expectations. But his work from the court reflects the same drive. He has been deeply involved in union issues in recent years and has gained a reputation for not being afraid to talk about complex business and legal issues that affect players.
The NBPA Executive Committee voted for Vanvleet for the role during summer meetings, citing communication skills, commitment to player issues, and the ability to unify the voices of the league as determinants. Vanvleet will help lead the union in negotiations with league offices, establish policy positions on labor issues, and guide collective strategies on topics ranging from health and safety protocols to television rights and revenue splits.
Leadership legacy
Past NBPA presidents include names from major NBAs such as Chris Paul, Derek Fisher and Paul Cyrus. But what all effective presidents have in common is their ability to work with both stars and role players to ensure that all voices in the locker room sit at the table.
“Fred has always been responsible for his teammates, his leagues and the players who are still trying to make it,” said a former teammate who played with Toronto’s Van Vleet. “He’s studying the business side of the league, just like he’s studying film.
This is not vanvleet’s first involvement in the NBPA. He has served as Vice President of the Executive Committee since 2022 and worked closely with McCollum and other major union leaders during the 2023 collective bargaining negotiations. Once he gets a top job, the experience will be useful to him.
Future challenges
Vanvleet will step into the presidency during the NBA transition. The league enjoys record global viewership ratings and expansion of the international market, but also faces important questions about player health, game schedules and compensation models for younger and developing players. Vanvleet’s background was on his path by being a second-time hopeful – he makes him acutely aware of how decisions affect all layers of the league.
Perhaps Horizon’s biggest topic is the NBA’s next national TV rights deal, which could be worth more than $70 billion over the next decade. How players make money from that windfall depends heavily on the union’s smooth negotiation method of revenue sharing and pay caps.
According to a recent report of Sportsthe NBPA aims to avoid pay cap spikes that could allow players to maintain a steady share of basketball-related revenue (BRI) and destabilize a competitive balance, as occurred after the 2016 cap jump.
Vanvleet’s Vision
At an introductory press conference, Vanvleet emphasized his commitment to transparency and unity. He shows that under his leadership, the union will prioritize the long-term financial wellbeing of all players and expand its educational tools to enable all players to effectively navigate the league’s business, from All-Star to Two-way contracts.
“This league has given us an incredible platform. We owes it to ourselves and our future players to protect and grow that platform with intelligence and unity,” says Vanvleet. “My job is to listen, learn, lead with purpose. I’m not to be the loudest voice here, I’m here to make sure all the voices are heard.”
Vanvleet also plans to expand its mental health initiative, improve post-career resources for retirees, and continue advocating for NBPA Foundation-backed social justice programs. His focus on the overall well-being of players has already earned praise throughout the league.
It’s not drafted, so even the union president
Fred VanVito’s personal story highlights the importance of the NBPA’s mission. Despite his outstanding college career, he was not drafted in 2016 and won his place through hard nose defense, clutch shooting and fatigue-free preparation in the NBA. In 2019, he helped the Toronto Raptors win their first NBA Championship, and in 2020 he signed a then-four-four-four-dollar contract, $85 million.
His ascension within the NBPA reflects the same progression – he gained respect from his peers through his actions, not through his attention-seeking campaign. Vanvleet’s ability to connect with role players, G-League hopes, and maximum-level stars makes him an unusual kind of leader.
As andscape In last year’s feature, Vanvleet is one of the few current players who can sit at the table with league governors, agents and business executives without losing sight of the player’s perspective.
Player’s reaction
The initial response from around the league is overwhelmingly positive. Several players have used media and social platforms to express their support. Current NBPA Vice Presidents Grant Williams and Tyrees Halliburton both highlighted Van Vriet’s commitment to inclusivity and preparation.
“Fred understands what it means to work with everything you get,” Halliburton said in a video posted by the NBPA. “He’s been through every part of the league experience and I trust him to represent us because he lives it.”
Veterans also view appointments as a strategic move. Vanvleet’s command respect for his performance style and attitude, and his willingness to speak clearly without his grandeur, made him an ideal consensus builder.
I’m continuing to work at CJ McCollum.
Vanvleet continues the strong foundation built by McCollum, who led the NBPA through the pandemic-era CBA revision, revenue disruption and social justice efforts following the 2020 Orlando bubble. McCollum’s joint approach with the League Office helped stabilize labor relations while maintaining player autonomy and voice.
Vanvleet revealed that his presidency will be built on its legacy. He is expected to prioritize transparency and continue the NBPA’s open dialogue approach, where union officials and staff can attract players directly through city hall, newsletters and team visits.
I’m looking forward to it
With the next round of domestic and international broadcasting contracts approaching, the NBPA will negotiate in a rapidly evolving media situation. The rise of streaming platforms, international digital audiences, and uninterrupted athlete-driven content platforms such as PlayerSTV are changing the way revenue is generated and how it is shared.
Vanvleet needs to navigate this shift while balancing the demands of current players, retired members, and a larger ecosystem of agents, sponsors and team executives. His track record suggests he is left to his job.
Final Thoughts
The appointment of Fred Vanvriet as president of the NBPA is more than just a symbolic moment. It’s strategic. It represents a union that values intelligence, resilience and relevance. When he takes the helm, players can expect thoughtful leadership based on experience, fairness and empowerment.
Whether negotiating a multi-billion dollar deal or helping the rookie understand his first contract, Vanvleet now stands as the player’s champion. And if his playing career is any indication, he approaches the job in the only way he knows: with discipline, toughness, and refusal to outwork.
As the next chapter in NBA labor relations begins, the league is watching and listening to Fred Vanvriet.
