09-05-2025, 11:23 AM
It just feels dirty. To be honest, I am surprised this has not popped up more in professional sports.
The second Apron is so punishing for the NBA. What would stop me as Mr. rich man owner to give money to XYZ corp to sign a player to a no work endorsement deal. For instance, it will be tough for OKC to keep Dort and Hartenstein in a year or two. What happens if the owner either gave money to someone else or if a rich donor (similar to college football) collected 10-15 million exta per year to keep both players while they sign in OKC for under market deals.
This seems to open way more shady practices.
The second Apron is so punishing for the NBA. What would stop me as Mr. rich man owner to give money to XYZ corp to sign a player to a no work endorsement deal. For instance, it will be tough for OKC to keep Dort and Hartenstein in a year or two. What happens if the owner either gave money to someone else or if a rich donor (similar to college football) collected 10-15 million exta per year to keep both players while they sign in OKC for under market deals.
This seems to open way more shady practices.