Houston Rockets’ Fred VanVleet elected new president of NBA Players Association

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) on Sunday, July 13 (Philippine Standard Time), elected Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet as its new president during an annual board of representatives meeting in Las Vegas.

VanVleet was elected by his fellow NBA players and will succeed Washington Wizards star CJ McCollum in the role, following the expiration of McCollum’s term. The veteran guard will transition into an advisory position.

“It’s truly an honor to be elected as president of the NBPA by my peers, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the best interests of all the members. With a deep appreciation for the complexities and challenges players face on all levels of their NBA journeys, I am committed to approaching this role with the passion, dignity, and dedication every player deserves,” VanVleet said in a statement.

A new chapter begins. Fred VanVleet is your new NBPA President! pic.twitter.com/24QMKxr7KC

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) July 12, 2025

The 31-year-old is known for his philanthropic and advocacy efforts off the court, founding the VanVleet Family Foundation in 2016, which aims to “increase the access and exposure for the youth through educational opportunities, athletics, and career development.”

Undrafted in 2016, VanVleet joined the Toronto Raptors for the NBA Summer League and remained with the franchise until 2023, when he signed with the Houston Rockets as a free agent. He played a key role in the Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship run, earned an All-Star selection in 2022, and set an NBA record for the most lucrative contract ever signed by an undrafted player. Most recently, he signed a two-year, $50 million deal to stay with the Rockets in June.

McCollum, meanwhile, is recognized for his role in negotiating the new collective bargaining agreement with the NBA in 2023. Such is his influence that he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.

“It’s been a privilege to serve on the NBPA Executive Committee for the past seven years and uniquely shape the business of our game. I am encouraged by the future of the PA under Fred’s leadership, as he has earned the basketball community’s respect and has proven he is ready for this next step. I look forward to supporting him as we continue building a stronger Association that serves past, present, and future generations of players,” McCollum said in a statement.

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