The mutual opt-out from the current collective bargaining agreement for the NBA and the NBPA (NBA Players Association) will not occur until the end of the 2029-30 season or seven years after the league and the union ratified it. However, Carmelo Anthony thinks the parties involved will already have a key agenda to discuss in the next negotiations.
On a recent episode of his podcast, the topic of whether fan behavior will have a significant part in the succeeding CBA was brought up. The retired star said he believes so, with guest Donovan Mitchell also sharing a similar sentiment.
"I'm fu*king with that—heavy," Melo said .
Mitchell's disdain for betting
"Spida" agreed empathically, citing the increasing negative influence of sports betting on spectatorship.
"It's crazy now with the gambling," he stated . "Now it's even worse. I had a guy just—not even talking about nothing—everybody else like, 'Good to see you,' whatever. He talking about, 'You cost me 25 Gs this year.'"
Mitchell's story underscores how betting has wildly influenced fan behavior. Of course, it has some potential benefits for the league, including increased revenue and viewership.
Unfortunately, some gamblers would rather watch NBA games to check how their wagers turn out instead of enjoying the show. Kyrie Irving has also spoken up passionately about it, saying that gambling has taken the purity away from the sport.
The worst that could happen is if the safety of players and coaches is compromised. Such a scenario may have already played out after former Cleveland Cavaliers and now Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff once shared receiving threatening messages from a disgruntled bettor who got a hold of his number and personal details.
Crossing the line
It remains to be seen if the CBA from 2030 and beyond will include clauses or provisions that will protect the league and its constituents from unruly fans (and non-fans who attend just to see if they would cash out from their wagers).
Perhaps Anthony should be involved or serve as a consultant in the negotiations, considering his stature among the players. In addition, Mitchell is one of the NBPA's vice presidents, so he should have a considerable voice in the next talks.
Hopefully, the Association will find ways to protect its players and coaches from boisterous crowds. Gamblers are just a part of the problem, as players have also had to deal with opposing fans who cross the line with their jeers and insults. Melo and Mitchell know that well, as they have certainly had experience with such folks.
Related: "If I'm going to war, I'm always going to choose myself any day of the week" - Donovan Mitchell on who is the best scorer today
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