The NBA’s Chris Paul on How He Picks Business Opportunities

How do you pick which business opportunities to go for?

(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- When I first came into the league, you used to hear about endorsements. “Oh, this player’s endorsing this and endorsing that.” There’s no such thing, really, as endorsement deals. There are partnerships—things that I really believe in and products that I use.

You’re president of the players union. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned?

The conversations I’ve had with [NBA Commissioner] Adam Silver, just constantly learning and really understanding the business of the game.

You’ve led the union since 2013. Any thoughts about succession?

One of my huge mentors is [Disney’s Bob] Iger, and one of the first things he said to me is that succession planning is real. So making sure that the next in line knows the conversations being had now, and that they’re involved.

How often do you say no? A lot?

Yes. It’s one of those things where—I am a people person. I love to engage and talk. But you have to learn to say no. Or at least have somebody on your team that can say no.

You’ve switched to a plant-based diet. What’s that like?

As an athlete, you’re always trying to figure out different ways to get an edge. Beyond Meat has been amazing—it’s been life-changing for me, in the way that my body feels and I can bounce back.

David Stern, the NBA’s former commissioner, just passed. What’s his legacy?

Our game is a global game because of David Stern. You get into the NBA, and you just expect that you go to China. We’re not where we’re at as a league without him and his vision.

Where do you think the NBA sees its next big overseas markets?

NBA Africa is continuing to grow. It’s mind-blowing to me. When I was a kid, I was thinking, How can I be the best player in my neighborhood? Now you’re playing against kids in New Zealand and Africa. It’s crazy when you think about where the game is now.

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