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NBA contracts and the agent business, explained
This lane follows NBA pay from the first contract to the biggest ones: the rookie scale, two-way deals, how stars structure their contracts under the salary cap and aprons, and what it takes to become the agent who negotiates them.
Newest articles are at the top. The lane covers entry-level contracts, the top of the market and the agent side of the table.
Latest articles
- September 28, 2026
Can a basketball agent represent coaches, and what does it require?
Yes. No union certifies coach agents, so no exam or fee cap applies. The limits come from player agent rules: an NBPA agent cannot personally represent an NBA head coach, general manager or other…
- September 28, 2026 · Part 1 of 4
How do you become an NBA agent, and what are the requirements?
To represent NBA players you must be certified by the National Basketball Players Association. That means a four-year degree or relevant negotiating experience the NBPA accepts in its place, a…
- September 27, 2026
How do Steph Curry's and LeBron James's contracts compare, and what do they mean for 2026-27?
Curry earns $62.6 million in 2026-27, the largest cap hit in the league, and just signed a two-year, $115.9 million extension that starts in 2027-28, about $20 million below his maximum. LeBron signed…
- September 26, 2026
What is a two-way contract in the NBA?
A two-way contract splits a player's season between an NBA team and its G League affiliate. In 2026-27 it pays $678,882, half the rookie minimum, and allows up to 50 active regular-season games. Each…
- September 26, 2026
How much do NBA rookies make in 2026-27?
First-round picks are paid on the rookie scale, tied to the 2026-27 salary cap of $164,961,000. The No. 1 pick's four-year deal is worth more than $65 million and the No. 30 pick's about $15 million.…
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