Hunter

INTRODUCTION

In its appeal from an order denying its special motion to strike (Code Civ. Proc., § 425.16),1 defendant National Basketball Players Association (the NBPA or union) contends the trial court erred by allowing plaintiff G. William Hunter to amend his breach of contract causes of action instead of dismissing the suit as a strategic lawsuit against public participation. A review of Hunter’s complaint reveals that the four contract causes of action alleged against the NBPA do not arise from activity protected by the anti-SLAPP statute. Accordingly, for a different reason than that relied on by the trial court, we affirm the order.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. Hunter’s contract with the NBPA The NBPA is the collective bargaining labor union for the players in the National Basketball Association (the NBA). It hired Hunter to be its Executive Director in late 1996. The parties signed a written contract for a three-year term (the contract). Three extensions were made to Hunter’s contract including an extension in 2010 (the 2010 extension), which extension contract was signed by NBPA President Derek Fisher.2 The 2010 extension continued Hunter’s employment term to…