Thriving as a Bench Player in Overseas Hoops
Hooping overseas is a dream for many athletes, however, for those transitioning overseas for the first time—especially bench players on strong teams—it can present unique challenges. Unlike some leagues around the world where a few players carry the majority of the workload, most overseas basketball teams place a heavy emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and role […]
Why the Letter of Clearance is Essential for Player Transfers
When you’re moving from one team to another, a seamless transition isn’t just ideal—it’s necessary. A vital piece of the puzzle in any transfer is the Letter of Clearance, an official document that lets your new team register you and put you on the court. Essentially, the Letter of Clearance confirms that your former team […]
Your Team is Struggling…Are You on the Chopping Block?
If you’re an import player on a struggling team, especially now at the start of the season, it’s crucial to keep an eye out even if your stats are strong. I’ve seen talented players, performing well on paper, suddenly find themselves on the chopping block. Why? Because when things aren’t going well, import players often […]
Tips For European Hooopers Playing Abroad For The First Time
This post is for all the European athletes stepping out of their comfort zones for the first time to either attend college or play basketball professionally in another country. Consider this your heads-up! You’re about to get a taste of what life is like for American players who venture overseas to play ball. Trust me, […]
How to Terminate Your Agent/Player Contract
Navigating the world of overseas basketball can be challenging, and sometimes that means making the difficult decision to change agents. Whether you’re seeking new opportunities or feeling that your current representation isn’t meeting your needs, it’s crucial to handle the termination process professionally and thoughtfully. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to terminate your agent/player […]
The New BAT Clause That Should Be In Your Next Contract
Last season, one of my clients went through a nightmarish ordeal with a basketball team in Serbia. From the moment she landed, things spiraled out of control. Eventually, we reached a mutual agreement for her to leave the team. However, the team exploited her situation—especially after she lost her agent—by withholding wages (already overdue by […]
Introducing the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal’s New Payment Order Procedure
Unbeknownst to many, as of February 1, 2024, the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal (BAT) launched an innovative Payment Order Procedure (POP) as part of its updated Arbitration Rules. While this is a significant change, it has flown under the radar-until now. In layman’s terms, this change makes it easier, faster and more affordable for hoopers to […]
The Unspoken Reality: Why Import Players Frequently Change Teams in Overseas Basketball
As a former player and coach overseas and deeply rooted in team dynamics, I understand the value of camaraderie and collective achievement. However, in overseas basketball, import players face a distinct reality shaped by short-term contracts and transient team dynamics. Factors Contributing to Frequent Team Changes -Short-Term Contracts: Unlike other professional sports leagues where players […]
Season Almost Over…Now What?
As we step further into May, basketball seasons across Europe are either drawing to a close or have recently concluded. It’s a pivotal time for players and agents, marked by the culmination of intense competition on the court and the onset of critical decisions off it. The offseason is a critical time. It’s a period […]
Why Profitability Is Difficult For Teams Overseas
In the glitzy world of American professional sports, where superstar athletes command multi-million-dollar salaries and fans pack arenas to catch a glimpse of their favorite teams in action, it’s easy to assume that success on the court equates to financial prosperity off it. However, for many overseas basketball teams, the reality is far from glamorous. […]