Charles Grantham, faculty associate and director of the Center for Sport Management at the Stillman School of Business, was honored with the Cheyney University Lifetime Achievement Award during the university’s 189th Founder’s Day celebration on Feb. 25, 2026.
Cheyney University, recognized as the nation’s oldest Historically Black College and University, holds its annual Founder’s Day to commemorate its founding in 1837 and to honor individuals whose work reflects leadership and impact. Grantham, an alumnus of Cheyney, was acknowledged for his significant contributions to professional basketball and athlete representation over several decades.
Grantham played a key role in shaping the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), serving as its first Executive Vice President from 1978 to 1988 and later as its first Executive Director from 1988 to 1995. During this period, he helped transform the NBPA into an organization focused on advancing players’ interests and strengthening the league’s business model. He also contributed to establishing four Collective Bargaining Agreements and developing the NBA’s revenue-sharing and salary cap system.
At Seton Hall University, Grantham teaches sport management while leading the Center for Sport Management. His research has appeared in academic journals such as Harvard Journal of Sports & Entertainment Law and in national media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, Bloomberg, and USA Today.
“Professor Grantham continues to influence the next generation of sports industry leaders through his teaching, scholarship and leadership of the Center for Sport Management,” said Joyce Strawser, dean of the Stillman School of Business. “He remains an active voice on major issues in sports business and policy and is frequently cited in national media.”
Leonard DeLuca, associate director of the Seton Hall Sports Poll and Stillman School instructor who previously worked with ESPN and CBS Sports programming alongside Grantham in NBA projects, said: “Professor Grantham’s continued legacy within the NBA and the academic community is his authentic leadership in representing and communicating labor issues.” DeLuca added: “Charlie is a rare gem who is an All-Star at each of his stops.”
The recognition highlights Grantham’s ongoing influence both within professional sports organizations like the NBA and among students preparing for careers in sport management.
