What’s in a Title?: NBA Chief Diversity Officers and A Call to Action

This research study took an in-depth look at the role of Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) within the National Basketball Association (NBA). This study investigated the expansion of CDOs in the NBA and analyzed the number of NBA franchises with a designated CDO. This study reviewed the titles, roles, and demographics of CDOs within the NBA. A case study methodology used a content analysis and semi-structured interview protocol and assisted in compiling and coding information about the role of the CDO within an NBA franchise (Merriam & Tisdell, 2015). In addition, two CDOs in the NBA were interviewed to understand how the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations and the murder of George Floyd put a spotlight on how organizations addressed issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The study found that 16 NBA teams have a CDO role, and most were spearheaded by Black professionals. The titles and reporting structures of the roles varied greatly, as did the educational degrees held by employees in the positions. Findings indicate that organizations must provide the CDO with sufficient authority and support to ensure that employees in the role can accomplish the range of responsibilities required for transformative DEI work.