Abbreviation NBRPA Founded at New York City | Formation 1992 Headquarters Chicago, Illinois | |
Founder Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Dave Cowens, Oscar Robertson and Archie Clark Type Charitable 501 (c)3 non-profit organization | ||
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is a non-profit association composed of former professional basketball players of the NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters, and WNBA. It was founded in 1992 by NBA Hall of Famers Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Dave Cowens, Oscar Robertson and former NBA point guard Archie Clark. Also referred to as the Legends of Basketball, the NBRPA serves as the official alumni organization for the NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters, and WNBA. The NBRPA was founded in New York City and is currently headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, while also having chapters located throughout the United States in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, and Phoenix.
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Overview
The National Basketball Retired Players Association is a charitable 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that is supported by the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The NBRPA seeks to assist former NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA players with their transition away from their careers as professional athletes. Additionally, the NBRPA works to positively impact communities and youth through basketball and mentorship. In 2012, the Retired Players Association moved its headquarters to Chicago after 20 years in New York City.
Board of Directors
The NBRPA is governed by a Board of Directors consisting exclusively of former professional basketball players that are elected by their peers.
Executive
Arnie Fielkow is the current President & CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. Fielkow became the first non-player chief executive in the group's history when he was hired in 2011 after a national search. Prior to this, Fielkow spent five years in public office as an elected New Orleans city council member and six years as the Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Saints.
Ambassador & Spokesperson
In August 2014, the National Basketball Retired Players Association named Jalen Rose as their official Ambassador and Spokesperson. Within this role, Rose will shape programs for former players while recruiting and enlisting the help of younger NBA players.
Membership
The NBRPA's membership consists of over 700 former professional basketball players, featuring 70 NBA Hall of Famers and 41 of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players. Members include Michael Jordan, Julius Erving and Magic Johnson.
WNBA Inclusion
On August 6, 2013, the NBRPA announced its inaugural class of former WNBA players as NBRPA Members after a historic vote by its Board of Directors. The NBRPA announced Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Nikki McCray, Carla McGhee, Dawn Staley, Sheryl Swoopes, Penny Toler, and Teresa Weatherspoon as the inaugural class of former WNBA players as NBRPA Members.
Legends CareTM
Legends CareTM is the charitable arm of the NBRPA. Legends Care is dedicated to youth basketball and educational programs in addition to addressing social and economic issues facing membership and the greater community. Legends Care has partnered with other non-profit organizations such as the Police Athletic League, the National Urban League, and the Children's Miracle Network to enhance goodwill across its national reach.
Full Court Press: Prep for Success
In 2013, the NBRPA launched Full Court Press: Prep for Success - a touring, nationwide youth basketball and life skills program. Full Court Press: Prep for Success is a partnership between the NBRPA and other charitable organizations that provides youth basketball clinics and life skills workshops for underserved youth in cities across the United States. Anti-bullying, anti-violence, wellness strategies, and crime-prevention are frequent themes of these workshops. The program is designed to enhance the decision making skills of the youths by exposing them to positive role models and constructive strategies to combat negative behaviors and influences.
2013 NBA All-Star Weekend
The NBRPA partnered with the NBA and the NBPA to raise $30,000 to help rebuild the outdoor basketball courts in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Additionally, the NBRPA led a free basketball clinic for at-risk youth during the weekend at the Oliver Bush Playground.
Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Program
The NBRPA has awarded members and their families more than $1 million in educational funds through the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Program and continues to raise funds in support of this initiative.
Rebound Magazine
Rebound Magazine is the official publication of the NBRPA. Published quarterly, Rebound acts as a source of information pertaining to business opportunities, community outreach, employment, coaching positions, public service, and more. Additionally, Rebound serves to highlight the post-playing accomplishments of the NBRPA membership.