Often I see articles which says that when Player A was suspended for X number of games, he lost $Z amount of money.
Are players really paid by how many games they play? As far as I know, playoff teams are paid extra for those games they play, so does that mean a player gets his salary $Z divided by 82 games in a season, and extra money from somewhere else during however many games his teams last during the playoffs?
If that’s true, where does that extra playoff money come from?
In pro sports, players get a regular paycheck (usually only during the season). It’s not by games played – just a check twice a month.
When a player is suspended, they divide his yearly salary by the total number of games, then multiply that by the number of games suspended. That amount is taken out of his paycheck (there are nuances, but that’s the basic idea).
Playoff money is separate. Players usually get a lump sum depending on how far they go into the playoffs: the more rounds, the more money. This is a bonus on top of their usual salary. The amount is determined by receipts, TV money, etc.
Also when a player is fined that money is donated to charity. Not sure if the player can pick the charity or not. The reason for that is the league does not want to profit off fining players.
Half the fine goes to the Players’ Association and the league retains the other half. Each then donates its portion to a group of charities of its choice; the NBPA donates to a bunch of youth foundations, both sports- and non-sports-related.
The NBA charities are a secret, although the NBPA signs off on them as part of each CBA.
The players don’t get to pick the charities in either case.
Fines against non-playing personnel (coaches, GMs, owners, etc.) or the teams themselves go directly to the league and are not donated.
I don’t think thats how it works. Recently an Orlando Magic player was suspended for 10 games and the money he was said to have been losing did not match his yearly salaray/games missed. I think they just miss the paychecks for the weeks they don’t play, not per game not played.
That’s how it works. Rashard was fined in addition to being suspended, which is why the numbers don’t look right.
Well, it depends. Usually in gumballs. Oliver Miller, Sean Kemp, and Tractor Traylor wanted to be paid in buffet coupons.
I agree with Chuck’s description, but I wanted to add that there is the option of structuring ones salary different. At least there was under older CBAs. I recall Tim Duncan demanding his annual salary in a lump sum the first day of training camp so he could generate interest for a whole year instead of getting it parceled out every two weeks.
I seem to recall recently a restrcited free agent wanting to use this tactic in order to try to prevent his current team from matching. Can’t recall the details. I want to say it was Paul Millsap of the Jazz (when Portland signed him to a 32 million dollar offer). Can’t say for sure.
Can’t find a cite for either, so please cite “a guy on the internet” if asked to back this one up.
How are NBA players paid?
Very well, thank you.