In preparation for a basketball landscape that will look vastly different from the last time the league was in action, the NBL, the Australian Basketball Players Association (ABPA) and the NBL ball clubs have come to terms on an agreement for next season.
From nbl.com.au:
The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League, Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA) and the nine NBL clubs have reached an agreement for the forthcoming 2020-21 Season.
Under the agreement announced today:
- Players have agreed to tiered reductions in salaries ranging from 27.5 per cent for players earning between $80,000 and $99,000 and up to 50 per cent for players earning over $200,000
- Salaries for players earning under $79,000 will revert to the minimum salary capped at $58,584. Development Players’ salaries will remain unchanged.
- Players will be able to opt out of their contract for the 2020-21 season for two weeks from the signing of the agreement with their NBL rights to be held by their respective clubs
- Rosters will be reduced to 10 players per team with a maximum of two imports plus a Next Star where applicable
The NBL, the clubs and ABPA will review this agreement in three months from now as more information becomes available about the timing of the season.
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “I want to thank the ABPA led by Jacob Holmes as well as all of the clubs for their support in reaching this agreement during what are obviously very challenging times for all sports including the NBL.
“Our stated aim right throughout this process has been to protect the players as much as possible whilst also supporting our clubs as they deal with the impact of COVID-19. The fact that we have reached a satisfactory outcome for all parties reflects the tremendous unity across the league.
“Our players are fantastic ambassadors for our sport and also understand their responsibilities to the game and we will continue to do everything we can to support them and our clubs as together we tackle the challenges facing all of us.
“We will continue to work closely with the clubs and the players on scheduling for the forthcoming season. Given the current restrictions in place and uncertainty about the coming months, we are canvassing a number of options and assessing on an ongoing basis our capacity to start the season on time.”
ABPA CEO Jacob Holmes said: “The players recognise that this is an extraordinarily difficult time for the community and there are many other Australians who are doing it very tough right now.
“Our focus was on reaching an agreement that would protect, as much as possible, the livelihood of the players while ensuring the viability of the league.
“We’re pleased to have been able to productively work through this challenging situation with the NBL and the owners, and the players are very much looking forward to getting out on the court again and engaging with their loyal fans as soon as they’re able to.”
