- In the NBA in 2026, the role of the future is likely to be characterized by a longer streak of games: 40 games against 35 games in the previous year.
- ESPN points to a smaller number of contracts signed for CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) players.
- Forbes notes that 6 years in 2026, Anthony Davis will be eligible to sign a contract with the Washington Wizards.
In the NBA in 2026, the trend is that players will be able to earn more money after the season ends, rather than after the season ends. According to ESPN, the official period will be 40 games, which is more than 35.
ESPN’s material also notes that the CBA has a significantly different contract structure: 75% of games, in which the contract is signed, are played in the same season. According to ESPN, the CBA gives teams the opportunity to sign contracts with players with a higher salary.
ESPN also points to a significant reduction in the number of contracts signed per season in the CBA. The material provides an example: Donovan Mitchell signed a contract worth $272 million with the Cleveland Cavaliers, breaking the contract record. ESPN’s text also states that, in the CBA (as of 2023), 104 games were signed for a total of $13 billion, while the CBA (2017–2023) — 124 games were signed for a total amount of less than $11 billion.
Summarizing the material, ESPN argues that teams “apron” and “first apron” are used to describe the situation. The material also notes that “first apron” was introduced for the CBA in 2023, but with smaller amounts, while “second apron” is a more strict system for paying players. The text also adds that teams may convert “second apron” for trading in the future, but only if the contract is not violated, as the league will be able to end the season with “second apron”.
Several concrete examples of contracts that were made using the materials are: Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is currently in Milwaukee, and Miami. It also notes that NYT Athletic described Ja Morant from Memphis to Portland, and also that Jaylen Brown from Philadelphia, and Boston retained George.
Forbes also points out that in 6 years in 2026, Anthony Davis will be eligible for a contract with the Washington Wizards, which amounts to $273 million. Forbes’ material also notes that the terms of the contract may be “rozmovyi” for the maximum amount, but also that the Wizards’ option for Davis is still lower.