I’ve compiled a somewhat brief list of some of the more ‘unknown’ perks of being an NBA Player as outlined by the CBA, which is publicly available (the 2023-2024 version at least). Here’s a few interesting tidbits I found along the way in their bylaws.

1. Travel Related.
   1. Meal Reimbursement. Players get $156 per day for meals during travel (adjustable to cost-of-living changes).
   2. Travel Expenses. Teams must provide first-class accommodations if the trip exceeds one hour. If first-class is unavailable, coaches can fly first class, and players receive compensation for the difference.
   3. Moving Expenses. Players are reimbursed for moving costs by their own team. Players are given a hotel of up to 46 days and housing costs of up to $6,000 per month when traded as well.
2. Retirement.
   1. Pension. Players get a pension based on the years of service, $1,001.47 per year played in the NBA. If LeBron were to retire today, he would receive 21 seasons x $1001.47 = $21,030.87 a year starting at age 62.
3. Perks.
   1. Complimentary Tickets. Players receiving complimentary tickets from their team can get up to four for a home game and two for a road game.
   2. League Pass. Players receive access to the NBA League Pass, as long as they are not a 10-day or Two-Way contract.
4. Programs.
   1. Educational Trust. The NBA provides jointly operated health education programs and career transition to players. Contributions are tax-deductible. Funding for these programs includes:
      1. Education and career counseling programs: $2,020,339.
      2. Career transition program: $893,397.
      3. Health education programs: $628,549.
   2. Mandatory. Players must attend and participate in educational and life skills programs, including substance abuse awareness, HIV awareness, gambling awareness, and mental health programming. Missing these programs results in fines or suspensions
5. Misc.
   1. Player Playoff Pool. There is a pool of money (calculated by Basketball Related Income and with a base of 31 million dollars) that is divided and given to each team that makes the playoffs. Teams receive money based on their progression in the playoffs (e.g., first-round exit, NBA Finals) that is disbursed to their players.
   2. High School Basketball Camps. The NBA funds an annual high school basketball camp organized by the Players Association. The funding amount is $1,595,792, and increases each season.
   3. 10 Day Contracts Aren’t Technically 10 Days. It’s the longer of either 10 days or three games. Technically a 10 day contract signed right before All Star Break is still valid after 10 days.
   4. WNBA Ownership. NBA Players can invest in a WNBA team as long as the are not more than 4% shareholder and have no governance roles.
   5. Prohibited Activities. Players’ contracts state that they cannot (without written consent): sky-dive, hang glide, snow ski, rock/mountain climb, water or jet ski, whitewater raft, rappel, bungee jump, trampoline jump, mountain bike, fight, box, wrestle, use fireworks, use firearms, ride an eScooter or hoverboard, drive or ride a motorcycle, moped, or any four-wheel/off-road vehicle, ride a motorized vehicle for racing, operate an aircraft, or participate in any game or exhibition of basketball and other sports.

I have no real thoughts to elaborate on this. I’m just bored at work.

Source: NBA CBA