Leadership Overview
NBA has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, partnerships, human resources, and business development.
Driven by a commitment to global excellence, NBA advances the professional sports landscape through innovation, community engagement, and the expansion of basketball reach across diverse international markets.
Driven by a commitment to global excellence, NBA advances the professional sports landscape through innovation, community engagement, and the expansion of basketball reach across diverse international markets.
Leadership Roles at NBA
David Haber - Chief Financial Officer
David Haber, the Chief Financial Officer at NBA, manages the fiscal health and strategic investment portfolio of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the league maintains a robust economic position while funding key growth initiatives. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to evaluate market trends and revenue opportunities. By implementing disciplined financial controls, David Haber directly impacts the sustainability of global events and media properties. Haber drives fiscal transparency, providing the necessary data to support long-term planning and expansion efforts. Through meticulous management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer protects the financial integrity of the league, enabling continued investment in community engagement and technological advancements that define the modern sports experience.
Wayne Rappaport - Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League
Wayne Rappaport, the Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League at NBA, directs the financial strategy specifically for the developmental tier of the professional basketball ecosystem. Overseeing budget management and revenue generation for the league, the Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League ensures that resources effectively support talent cultivation and player development programs. This role involves analyzing cost structures to maximize the impact of developmental initiatives on the broader sports market. By optimizing financial performance within this specific division, Wayne Rappaport directly contributes to the pipeline of professional talent. Rappaport monitors economic metrics to ensure the sustainability of developmental operations, fostering an environment where emerging athletes thrive. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer, Nba Development League secures the necessary funding to maintain high standards of competition and professional growth.
Jeremy Haber - Chief Operating Officer
Jeremy Haber, the Chief Operating Officer at NBA, directs the internal infrastructure and daily business activities required to maintain a premier professional sports league. Overseeing the integration of digital platforms and event logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless execution across all league properties. This role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize resource allocation and improve organizational efficiency. By streamlining complex workflows, Jeremy Haber directly supports the league's ability to deliver high-quality entertainment to a global audience. Haber maintains focus on operational scalability, ensuring that the infrastructure supports rapid growth in both domestic and international markets. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer secures the foundation for long-term success and innovation within the competitive sports industry.
Salvatore LaRocca - Global President, Partnerships
Salvatore LaRocca, the Global President, Partnerships at NBA, architects the strategic alliances that connect the league with major brands and commercial entities worldwide. Overseeing the development of sponsorship programs and marketing collaborations, the Global President, Partnerships ensures that these relationships align with the league's mission of innovation and community engagement. This role involves negotiating high-value contracts that expand the commercial footprint of basketball across diverse regions. By cultivating these essential business connections, Salvatore LaRocca directly drives revenue growth and brand visibility. LaRocca manages a vast network of partners, ensuring that every collaboration enhances the fan experience and promotes the league's values. Through proactive engagement with global stakeholders, the Global President, Partnerships secures the financial and promotional support necessary to maintain a dominant position in the international sports marketplace.

Kathy Behrens - President
Kathy Behrens, the President at NBA, directs the social responsibility and community engagement programs that define the league's public impact. Overseeing initiatives related to social justice, youth development, and charitable outreach, the President ensures that the organization remains a positive force in society. This role involves collaborating with external stakeholders and non-profit partners to address critical community needs. By championing these programs, Kathy Behrens directly enhances the league's reputation and deepens its connection with fans globally. Behrens manages the strategic implementation of social impact goals, ensuring that these efforts remain integrated with the broader business mission. Through dedicated leadership in the social sector, the President secures the league's role as a leader in corporate citizenship, fostering goodwill and long-term loyalty among diverse audiences across the United States and beyond.

Aran Smith - President
Aran Smith, the President at NBA, directs the scouting and talent evaluation processes that identify the next generation of professional basketball players. Overseeing the analysis of player performance and potential, the President ensures that the league maintains the highest standards of competitive excellence. This role involves managing relationships with international scouting networks and collegiate programs to secure a consistent pipeline of talent. By refining the evaluation criteria, Aran Smith directly impacts the quality of the game and the long-term competitiveness of the league. Smith monitors global basketball trends, providing insights that inform strategic decisions regarding player development and recruitment. Through rigorous assessment and data-driven analysis, the President secures the future of the sport, ensuring that the league continues to showcase the most talented athletes from every corner of the globe.
Michael Ma - President (Asia-Pacific)
Michael Ma, the President (Asia-Pacific) at NBA, directs the expansion and operational strategy within the Asia-Pacific region. Overseeing market development, media distribution, and local partnerships, the President (Asia-Pacific) ensures that the league's brand presence grows significantly across these key international territories. This role involves adapting global business models to meet the unique cultural and economic demands of the region. By driving localized engagement strategies, Michael Ma directly increases the league's fan base and commercial reach in Asia. Ma manages regional teams to execute events and digital initiatives that resonate with local audiences. Through strategic oversight of the Asia-Pacific market, the President (Asia-Pacific) secures a vital growth engine for the organization, ensuring that basketball remains a premier entertainment product in one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving regions in the world.

Charlie Freeman - President, Business Operations
Charlie Freeman, the President, Business Operations at NBA, directs the logistical and commercial functions that support the league's event schedule and fan-facing services. Overseeing stadium operations, ticketing strategies, and event management, the President, Business Operations ensures that every game provides a world-class experience for attendees. This role involves coordinating with venue partners and service providers to maintain high standards of efficiency and safety. By optimizing the business side of live events, Charlie Freeman directly contributes to the league's revenue and fan satisfaction. Freeman manages the operational teams responsible for the execution of large-scale events, ensuring that all logistical requirements are met with precision. Through strategic management of business operations, the President, Business Operations secures the operational excellence necessary to support the league's global entertainment properties and maintain its status as a leader in professional sports.
Amy Brooks - President, Business Ventures
Amy Brooks, the President, Business Ventures at NBA, directs the development of new commercial opportunities and innovative business models. Overseeing the exploration of emerging technologies, digital platforms, and new revenue streams, the President, Business Ventures ensures that the league remains at the forefront of the sports entertainment industry. This role involves identifying market gaps and launching initiatives that diversify the organization's portfolio. By spearheading these ventures, Amy Brooks directly drives the league's long-term growth and adaptability. Brooks manages cross-functional teams to bring new products and services to market, ensuring that each venture aligns with the league's strategic goals. Through proactive innovation and business development, the President, Business Ventures secures the organization's future, creating new ways for fans to engage with the sport while maximizing the commercial potential of the league's global brand.
Sabrina Ellis - Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer
Sabrina Ellis, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at NBA, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce reflects the league's commitment to excellence and social responsibility. This role involves designing professional development frameworks that empower employees to drive innovation across all business units. By fostering an inclusive environment, Sabrina Ellis directly impacts the organization's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. Ellis manages internal communications and employee engagement, ensuring alignment with the league's core values. Through strategic workforce planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer builds a resilient and diverse team capable of navigating the complexities of the global sports industry while maintaining a focus on community impact.

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