Smaller NBA agents fear coming increases to annual dues

Smaller agencies that represent NBA clients fear proposed changes to agent dues by the Players Association could force them to shut down.

According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the union preliminarily approved an increase in dues at their All-Star weekend meeting.

While NBA agents currently have to pay only an annual fee of $1,500 for certification, the new rules would see agents who represent less than 10 players pay $5,000, those who represent 10-19 players pay $10,000, and agents who represent 20 or more players pay $15,000 in annual dues, according to Begley.

"This could drive a significant percentage of agents out of business," one agent who requested anonymity told Begley. "It favors the larger agencies."

NBPA communications director Tara Greco responded by calling the anonymous agent's concerns ridiculous.

"It's ridiculous to suggest that this is an attempt to push out any agent from working with our players," Greco said in a statement. "We're simply focused on ensuring we have the resources to provide a better environment for agents to succeed."

Begley reports that the matter is in the process of being reviewed and voted on by a players association committee.