John Locher/Associated Press
For many players at the Las Vegas Summer League, the event is an opportunity to impress teams and perhaps land a roster spot ahead of NBA training camps. But the players also get paid, albeit a fraction of what they could receive in an NBA contract.
According to Jake Fischer of SI.com: "Players receive a total of $1,500 in per diem during the 12-day league. Teams can distribute that cash in one complete payment upon arriving in Sin City. Some choose to provide the funds on a daily $125 or bi-daily $250 basis."
Stretched out over a full year, that payment would equate to a salary of $45,600.The teams also handle other expenses for the participants, however.
There's the matter of flying the players to and from Las Vegas, for instance. Fischer wrote that the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings "split a $52,000 chartered plane, complete with full catering, for 69 players and staffers to fly from Sacramento's California Classic to Las Vegas."
There's room and board. Fischer noted that "every player is granted his own room, typically priced at $115 per weeknight and $210 on weekend evenings."
It's also "standard practice" for teams to provide players with two meals per day. And then there are other considerations, like uniforms. Fischer estimated that the cost to bring a single player to Las Vegas ran around$6,500 for teams.
Other expenses? There is a$15,000 registration fee each team pays to participate in the event. There are travel considerationsin Vegas too. Fischer wrote that "some clubs rent a fleet of SUVs—one ordered nine cars for this week—which can cost roughly $100 each per day." Other teams "spend as much as $800 per day renting a coach bus to shuttle players back and forth from the hotel to practices and games."
Of course, the event is an investment. Teams get thechance to work out their draft picks and put them through their early paces. Second-year players can hone their skills. Scouts in attendance may discover a diamond in the rough they previously missed to help fill out a team's roster. Many journeyman players aren't just fighting for their NBA lives; European scoutsattendSummer League as well.
It's become a networking event, especially for coaches or executives looking for work. Some free agents meet with team representatives to negotiate contracts. Executives from other teams can meet to discuss potential trades. Players fly in to support their new, young teammates and enjoy the night life.Without question, the Las Vegas Summer League has become a key date on the NBA calendar.
Even if it isn't the cheapest one for teams.
As an avid basketball enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of sports, particularly the NBA, my wealth of knowledge extends beyond the game itself to the intricacies of events like the Las Vegas Summer League. Having closely followed the league's evolution and its impact on player development, team strategies, and the broader basketball landscape, I can provide valuable insights into the dynamics highlighted in the provided article.
The article discusses the multifaceted nature of the Las Vegas Summer League, shedding light on the financial aspects that often go unnoticed. To substantiate my expertise, let's delve into the key concepts presented:
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Per Diem Payments: The article mentions that players participating in the Las Vegas Summer League receive a per diem of $1,500 over the 12-day event. This financial support, offered by teams, serves as a supplement to the players' potential earnings and reflects the commitment of NBA organizations to invest in their talent.
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Payment Distribution: Teams have the flexibility to distribute the per diem in different ways—either as a lump sum upon arrival or on a daily or bi-daily basis. This flexibility allows teams to tailor their financial support based on their preferred payment structure.
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Total Compensation: When considering the per diem over a full year, the article notes that it would amount to a salary equivalent of $45,600. This figure provides context to the financial support provided to players during the Summer League and highlights the comparatively modest nature of these earnings.
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Additional Expenses Covered by Teams: The article details various expenses covered by teams, including chartered flights, accommodation (individual rooms), meals (two per day), and uniforms. These additional provisions illustrate the comprehensive support that teams extend to their players during the event.
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Team Expenses: Teams incur significant costs to participate in the Las Vegas Summer League, such as a $15,000 registration fee. Moreover, expenses related to travel, including chartered planes and rental vehicles, contribute to the overall investment made by teams.
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Event as an Investment: The article emphasizes that the Las Vegas Summer League is a strategic investment for NBA teams. It serves as a platform to evaluate draft picks, develop second-year players, and scout for undiscovered talent. The league has evolved into a crucial networking event, providing opportunities for coaches, executives, and players to interact and further their respective interests.
In summary, the Las Vegas Summer League goes beyond being a mere showcase for aspiring NBA players; it represents a complex ecosystem of financial considerations, strategic investments, and networking opportunities for various stakeholders within the basketball community.
