The National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association completed the process of ratifying a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor peace and improved benefits for both current and retired players.

Lesley Slaton, the NBA's chief DEI officer who had been in her role since 2023, informed colleagues via email that she is stepping down, as reported by Adweek and covered by Fox News. This change comes at a time when several sports organizations are reassessing or rolling back DEI initiatives, raising concerns about the future commitment to diversity and inclusion within the NBA.

The article, while focused on shareholder votes at Levi Strauss & Co., highlights the NBA's supportive stance toward DEI by showcasing an image on its Diversity and Inclusion site. This reinforces the league's dedication to progressive values amid increasing federal and political pressure against DEI initiatives.

A Human Rights Watch report accuses the NBA of engaging in sportswashing by partnering with UAE-linked entities, hosting preseason games in Abu Dhabi and renaming its in-season tournament, which could help distract from the UAE’s extensive human rights violations.

The NBA signed a multiyear partnership with the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism to host games in Abu Dhabi. Critics argue that this deal risks 'sportswashing' the UAE’s egregious human rights violations, including alleged ties to the RSF and systemic abuses of migrant workers, while the league has not publicly addressed these issues.

The NBA signed a multiyear partnership with the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism to host games in Abu Dhabi, a move that has raised concerns about sportswashing and complicity in human rights abuses given the UAE's record. The deal is seen as an effort by the UAE to divert attention from its domestic repression and international violations, including labor abuses and alleged support for violent regimes.

NBA boss Adam Silver donated $10,000 to a Harris PAC and contributed the maximum $3,300 to her campaign, reinforcing his long‐standing record of backing progressive candidates. This donation highlights his active stance in political engagement and his commitment to countering far‑right influences in sports.

Human Rights Watch has criticized the NBA for hosting preseason games in Abu Dhabi, arguing that the move aids in sportswashing the UAE’s severe human rights abuses, including the repression of dissent, mistreatment of migrant workers, and support for oppressive regimes. The NBA has not yet issued a response or mitigation strategy.

The NBA is facing criticism for hosting preseason games in Abu Dhabi, which is seen as a move to sportswash the UAE's egregious human rights abuses, including the suppression of dissent, mistreatment of migrant workers, and support to parties involved in grave human rights violations. Human Rights Watch has called on the NBA to implement a human rights risk mitigation strategy and to speak out against the abuses.

US senators have publicly criticized the NBA for maintaining a relationship with Rwandan leader Paul Kagame, accusing the organization of putting profit over human rights. The criticism centers on the ethical implications of engaging with a regime known for authoritarian practices and human rights abuses.

An op-ed highlights how the NBA's extensive financial ties with Chinese companies—many of which have connections to forced labor practices in Xinjiang—expose the league to human rights abuses and increased sanctions risk, despite bipartisan calls to sever such relationships.

In response to a Congressional inquiry, the NBA issued a public statement affirming that its licensed apparel prohibits the use of forced labor. The league reiterated its commitment to human rights and adherence to U.S. State Department guidelines in its business practices in China.

Lawmakers have criticized the NBA and NBPA for not taking a strong stance against forced labor practices linked to Chinese sportswear companies. The bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China delivered letters urging the ban of NBA-branded gear potentially produced with forced labor from Xinjiang, citing deals like Kyrie Irving’s with Anta as evidence of complicity.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association finalized and signed a new seven‐year Collective Bargaining Agreement set to take effect on July 1, 2023, ensuring labor rights and improved working conditions for players.

The NBA players' union criticized a $50,000 donation made by the Orlando Magic to the Never Back Down super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, raising concerns over the use of team funds — derived largely from player labor — for a political contribution that aligns with far‐right policies.

The Orlando Magic, an NBA team, donated $50,000 to the Never Back Down super PAC linked to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ahead of his presidential bid. This move has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ groups and local leaders, given the franchise's public commitments to inclusion.

The Orlando Magic, an NBA team under the National Basketball Association umbrella, donated $50,000 to a super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The donation, made on May 19, 2023, has drawn criticism from LGBTQ activists and Democrats due to DeSantis’ record on issues such as restrictions on gender-affirming care and other policies that undermine marginalized communities.

A $50,000 donation made by the Orlando Magic to a super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 19, 2023, has drawn criticism from the NBA players' union, which labeled the move as 'alarming' given its potential ties to far‐right policies such as banning diversity and inclusion programs.

The Orlando Magic, an NBA team, donated $50,000 to a super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, prompting the NBA players union to condemn the move as alarming. The union highlighted concerns that employee-earned funds were being used to support a political figure linked to policies opposed by labor groups and progressive values.

The NBA and its players have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor peace through the 2029-30 season. The deal includes enhanced revenue sharing, improved salary provisions, and greater player rights, such as the ability to invest alongside team owners, marking a significant step in strengthening workers' rights.

The National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association ratified a new 7-year collective bargaining agreement, set to take effect on July 1, 2023, which strengthens labor rights and protections for players.

Controversy has emerged as several NBA players maintain lucrative endorsement deals with Chinese sportswear companies accused of employing forced labor in Xinjiang. Critics argue that by stating it has no authority over player endorsements, the NBA is abdicating its moral and ethical leadership, thereby indirectly supporting practices that violate human rights.

The NBA has been criticized for its reliance on Wilson-made basketballs manufactured in China amid allegations of slave labor in Xinjiang and for its notable silence on China's human rights abuses, raising concerns about ethical supply chain practices and political accountability.

The National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, comprising representatives from the NBA, players, coaches, and team executives, released a statement urging lawmakers to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The statement honors George Floyd’s memory and calls for federal-level police reform as a response to systemic police brutality.

The NBA’s Social Justice Coalition, formally announced on November 20, 2020, has actively engaged in advocacy for racial justice and progressive reforms. The coalition, consisting of players, executives, and board members, has lobbied for key legislative measures such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the EQUAL Act, aiming to address systemic racism in policing, criminal justice, and voting rights.

An investigation reveals that NBA owners collectively donated over $4M during the federal election cycle, with figures such as Micky Arison contributing to both far-left and far-right candidates, and Dan DeVos notably directing significant funds to pro-Republican, pro-Trump groups including America First Action, thereby raising concerns over support for authoritarian political agendas.

The NBA and the NBPA released a joint statement outlining the formation of a social justice coalition that will focus on increasing voter access, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for police and criminal justice reform. The statement also includes plans to convert NBA-controlled arenas into voting sites during elections and to incorporate civic engagement messaging in playoff games.

The NBA, in partnership with NBPA and NBCA, formed the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition in 2020 to promote policy change, build strategic partnerships, and advance social justice initiatives focused on criminal justice reform, community safety, and voting rights.