Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama now wields significant player power, securing a pivotal vice president role within the NBPA Executive Committee.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama has been elected as a vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, securing a three-year term on the union’s Executive Committee and positioning himself at the center of the league’s labor and business landscape.
Aldama was chosen by the NBPA Board of Player Representatives at its winter meeting in Los Angeles. He and Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans were selected as the two newest vice presidents, replacing outgoing committee members whose terms had expired. The Executive Committee serves as the union’s strategic core, handling day-to-day oversight between full board sessions and shaping long-term planning around collective bargaining, licensing, benefits, and player advocacy.
Aldama’s appointment reflects both his growing profile within the league and his expanding influence beyond the court. The 25-year-old has already been serving as Memphis’ official player representative, acting as the conduit between the Grizzlies’ locker room and union leadership. Rookie Cedric Coward holds the alternate role for the franchise.
In a statement released Friday, Aldama emphasized the scope of his new responsibility.
“I am excited to join the Executive Committee and get to work on the issues that impact NBA players daily,” Aldama said.
“My goal is to ensure every player feels supported and that we keep building on the strength and unity of this brotherhood.”
The vice president role carries significant weight. Executive Committee members help define negotiating positions ahead of future collective bargaining talks, evaluate commercial partnerships and collaborate closely with the union president and executive director on labor strategy. The NBPA has signaled an emphasis on bringing active rotation players into leadership positions, blending generational perspectives as the league evolves.
Aldama’s union involvement predates this promotion. In July 2025, he joined the NBPA Foundation’s Board of Directors, advising on global initiatives, approving grant funding and identifying new social-impact opportunities for players. His off-court efforts include youth development work in his native Spain through “Campus Santi Aldama,” a program in Gran Canaria that focuses on skill development and teamwork for children ages 6 to 17.
The Grizzlies are not new to union leadership. Aldama follows former teammate Jaren Jackson Jr., who completed a three-year term as NBPA vice president from 2023 to 2026. The succession underscores Memphis’ continued presence in league governance circles.
On the court, Aldama is in the midst of one of his most productive seasons. Through 43 games, he is averaging 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in nearly 28 minutes per contest, shooting 47.9% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range. His versatility has been central for a Memphis team navigating a competitive Western Conference landscape.
The Grizzlies sit at 20-33, positioned outside the top tier in a conference led by the Oklahoma City Thunder and tightly packed behind contenders such as the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. While Memphis works to stabilize its season, Aldama’s leadership responsibilities will now extend well beyond game nights.
His three-year term places him at a pivotal juncture for the union, including an upcoming executive leadership transition. With the NBPA preparing for its next phase of strategic planning, Aldama will hold a front-row seat in shaping decisions that affect salaries, benefits and the broader business ecosystem of the league.