As a Player Education Specialist, I want to highlight the issue with the Bosman rule and how it affects players in certain European countries. While the Bosman rule allows freedom of movement and employment, it limits Bosman A players in some countries due to their domestic player requirements.
In Germany’s 1st league, for example, the league allows 6 foreign players, but there must be 6 Germans on the gameday roster. The 2nd league is different, stating that 2 German players must be on the court at all times, and in the 3rd league, 3 German players must be on the court at all times. This rule aims to develop domestic players while also allowing foreign players to play in Germany.
Portuguese 1st league, on the other hand, has a maximum of 5 foreign players on each team, 3 in the 2nd league and 2 in the 3rd league. This ensures that Portuguese players have ample opportunities to play and develop their skills. Norway also has a similar rule that there must be 2 domestic players on the court at all times.
Austria’s 1st league is the same as the German 1st league, allowing 6 foreign players per team, but the 2nd league only allows 5 foreign players per team. Again, the purpose of this rule is to provide opportunities for domestic players.
In France, there is no distinction between Bosman A or Bosman B players. This means that all foreign players are treated equally, and there are no limitations on the number of foreign players per team. France has a different approach to the development of domestic players, focusing on grassroots programs to cultivate talent and build a strong national team.
These rules may seem restrictive to some foreign players, but they are put in place to develop domestic players and provide opportunities for them to play at a high level. While the FIBA rules do not necessarily match the interests of the countries themselves, each country must protect their own citizens while developing them. It is crucial for players to understand these rules and regulations before deciding to play in Europe to avoid any surprises or disappointment.
While the Bosman rule has granted players more freedom of movement and employment, players must also understand the rules and regulations in each European country before deciding to play there. That knowledge will help the player understand his/her role better. The rules put in place by each country aim to develop domestic players while also allowing foreign players to play at a high level. It is essential to work with an agent who has knowledge and experience in navigating these rules to maximize opportunities for players.