Katelyn West, the NBA’s senior vice president and assistant general counsel, has been named to the 2026 Forty Under 40 list, a distinction that highlights her growing influence on the league’s legal and labor framework.
The honor follows her leadership in two high‑stakes collective‑bargaining agreements that were finalized well beyond regular business hours, underscoring the marathon nature of modern sports negotiations.
Marathon Sessions in the Boardroom
During the 2023 CBA talks, parties reconvened at 1 a.m., then 2 a.m., and finally 3 a.m. before sealing a deal, a sequence that illustrates the intensity and dedication required to bridge deep‑seated differences.
The same relentless drive characterized her work during the COVID‑19 pandemic, when she collaborated with Commissioner Adam Silver, NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts, and star players such as Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook to craft temporary player‑compensation rules that kept the season moving.
Beyond the NBA, West also negotiated an eight‑day collective‑bargaining agreement for the WNBA, often working until dawn and returning home to her children, Teddy, four and a half, and Charlie, two, after limited family time.
Her versatility extends to proposal development, guiding the NBA Labor Relations Committee, and participating in face‑to‑face bargaining sessions, all while maintaining a reputation for adaptability and strategic thinking.