NBA Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

NBA has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, technology infrastructure, business development, and global basketball expansion.

Committed to excellence in professional sports, NBA drives innovation through digital platforms and global events while fostering community engagement and diversity across all international markets.

Leadership Roles at NBA

  • Chief Financial Officer - David Haber
  • Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League - Wayne Rappaport
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeremy Haber
  • President, Business Operations - Charlie Freeman
  • President - Aran Smith
  • President of the Heat - Patrick Riley
  • President, Basketball Operations - Jeff Weltman
  • President, Basketball Operations (76ers) - Michael Gansey
  • President, Basketball Africa League (Bal) - Amadou Fall
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Krishna Bhagavathula
  • David Haber - Chief Financial Officer

    David Haber, the Chief Financial Officer at NBA, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the organization. Haber oversees capital allocation, financial reporting, and investment planning to ensure the league maintains a competitive edge in the global sports market. By analyzing revenue streams from media properties and digital platforms, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across various business ventures. This leadership role requires close collaboration with the Board to align financial goals with the broader mission of expanding the reach of professional basketball. David Haber directs the financial planning processes that support international growth and social responsibility initiatives. Through rigorous oversight of budgetary frameworks, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability necessary for the league to continue delivering high-quality entertainment and community-focused programs across the United States and beyond.
    David Haber

    Wayne Rappaport - Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League

    Wayne Rappaport, the Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League at NBA, manages the specific fiscal requirements and economic growth strategies for the development tier of the organization. Rappaport oversees budgetary planning, revenue generation, and cost management for developmental basketball operations. By focusing on the financial sustainability of this critical talent pipeline, the Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League ensures that resources remain available for player development and league expansion. This role involves coordinating with senior leadership to align developmental goals with the broader financial objectives of the parent organization. Wayne Rappaport analyzes market trends to optimize the economic performance of developmental events and programs. Through careful financial stewardship, the Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League supports the long-term viability of the league's commitment to cultivating future talent and maintaining a robust presence in the professional sports landscape.

    Jeremy Haber - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeremy Haber, the Chief Operating Officer at NBA, directs the day-to-day business activities and internal processes that sustain the league's operational excellence. Haber coordinates cross-functional teams to execute large-scale events and manage the complex logistics inherent in professional sports management. By streamlining internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances efficiency across media properties and digital platforms. This position involves constant interaction with executive leadership to refine organizational structures and support the league's commitment to innovation. Jeremy Haber monitors performance metrics to ensure that all business ventures align with the overarching goal of promoting basketball globally. Through the implementation of scalable operational strategies, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of service and engagement that define the league's market position, ensuring that every facet of the organization functions with precision and strategic intent.

    Charlie Freeman - President, Business Operations

    Charlie Freeman, the President, Business Operations at NBA, directs the commercial strategy and business development initiatives that drive the league's market impact. Freeman oversees partnerships, sponsorship acquisitions, and the expansion of media properties to maximize revenue and brand visibility. By identifying new growth opportunities, the President, Business Operations ensures that the league maintains its status as a premier professional sports entity. This leadership role requires constant engagement with external stakeholders and internal teams to align business activities with the organization's mission of innovation and community involvement. Charlie Freeman manages the execution of large-scale commercial projects that span across North American and international markets. Through the strategic management of business operations, the President, Business Operations secures the commercial success necessary to support the league's diverse range of professional basketball ventures and social responsibility programs.

    Aran Smith - President

    Aran Smith, the President at NBA, provides high-level strategic direction and oversees the overarching mission of the organization. Smith leads the executive team in defining the league's vision for global basketball excellence, entertainment, and community engagement. By setting the tone for corporate culture and strategic priorities, the President ensures that all business ventures remain aligned with the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This role involves representing the league in high-stakes negotiations and fostering relationships with key partners across the globe. Aran Smith monitors the performance of all departments to ensure that the organization achieves its growth targets and maintains its leadership position in the sports industry. Through the coordination of long-term initiatives, the President drives the strategic evolution of the league, ensuring that the organization continues to innovate and expand its influence in the professional sports market.

    Patrick Riley - President of the Heat

    Patrick Riley, the President of the Heat at NBA, directs the basketball and business operations for the specific franchise within the league's ecosystem. Riley oversees team performance, roster construction, and the strategic management of franchise-level assets. By focusing on competitive excellence and fan engagement, the President of the Heat contributes to the overall success and brand strength of the league. This role requires balancing the immediate needs of the team with the long-term strategic goals of the organization. Patrick Riley manages the coaching and front-office staff to ensure that the franchise operates at the highest level of professional standards. Through the implementation of winning strategies and community-focused initiatives, the President of the Heat reinforces the league's commitment to excellence and entertainment, ensuring that the franchise remains a vital component of the broader professional basketball landscape.

    Jeff Weltman - President, Basketball Operations

    Jeff Weltman, the President, Basketball Operations at NBA, directs the strategic management of basketball-related activities and talent acquisition. Weltman oversees the scouting, player development, and roster management processes that define the competitive quality of the league. By analyzing player performance data and market trends, the President, Basketball Operations ensures that the league maintains a high standard of play and entertainment value. This role involves collaborating with other franchise leaders to uphold the integrity and competitive balance of the sport. Jeff Weltman manages the implementation of basketball policies that support the league's mission of excellence and innovation. Through the strategic oversight of basketball operations, the President, Basketball Operations ensures that the league continues to attract top-tier talent and deliver compelling professional basketball experiences to fans across the globe, maintaining the organization's status as a premier sports entity.
    Jeff Weltman

    Michael Gansey - President, Basketball Operations (76ers)

    Michael Gansey, the President, Basketball Operations (76ers) at NBA, directs the basketball strategy and operational execution for the 76ers franchise. Gansey oversees the development of team culture, player personnel decisions, and the integration of advanced analytics into the franchise's basketball philosophy. By focusing on the specific needs of the 76ers, the President, Basketball Operations (76ers) ensures that the team remains competitive and aligned with the league's standards for excellence. This role requires close coordination with the league office to ensure that franchise operations support the broader goals of the organization. Michael Gansey manages the daily basketball activities that drive team success and fan engagement. Through the strategic management of basketball operations, the President, Basketball Operations (76ers) contributes to the overall growth and reputation of the league, ensuring that the franchise remains a key player in the professional basketball market.
    Michael Gansey

    Amadou Fall - President, Basketball Africa League (Bal)

    Amadou Fall, the President, Basketball Africa League (Bal) at NBA, directs the expansion and operational management of the league's presence in the African market. Fall oversees the development of professional basketball infrastructure, event planning, and community engagement initiatives across the continent. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting the growth of the sport, the President, Basketball Africa League (Bal) ensures that the league's mission of diversity and inclusion reaches new audiences. This role involves coordinating with international stakeholders to build a sustainable and competitive basketball ecosystem. Amadou Fall manages the operational logistics and commercial growth of the league's African ventures. Through the strategic leadership of the Basketball Africa League, the President, Basketball Africa League (Bal) drives the organization's international expansion, ensuring that the league remains a global leader in professional basketball and community-focused sports development.
    Amadou Fall

    Krishna Bhagavathula - Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Krishna Bhagavathula, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at NBA, architects the digital infrastructure and technological advancements that power the league's global reach. Bhagavathula oversees the development of digital platforms, data analytics, and broadcast technologies that connect fans to professional basketball. By integrating cutting-edge solutions, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer drives the digital transformation of media properties and enhances the viewer experience across international markets. This role requires collaboration with other C-suite leaders to ensure that technological investments support the league's commitment to innovation and entertainment. Krishna Bhagavathula manages the technical teams responsible for maintaining secure and scalable systems that handle massive global traffic. Through the strategic deployment of new software and hardware, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of the sports technology industry.
    Krishna Bhagavathula

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitality

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NBA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NBA?
    NBA is led by David Haber (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Wayne Rappaport (Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League) and Jeremy Haber (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of NBA’s executive team?
    The executive team of NBA includes leaders such as David Haber (Chief Financial Officer), Wayne Rappaport (Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League), Jeremy Haber (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NBA have?
    NBA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NBA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NBA includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League, Chief Operating Officer, President, Business Operations, President.