ABA welcomes changes to NBL player contract and salary rules
The Australian Basketballers’ Association (ABA) welcomes the announcement from the National Basketball League (NBL) today to remove the player points system from the league entirely, and instil a number of new reforms that will bring about the growth and development of basketball in Australia.
In addition to the removal of the player points system, the existing fixed salary cap of $1 million has been replaced with a ‘soft cap’ of $1.1 million, allowing teams to exceed this amount and thereby paying a salary equalisation subsidy to be distributed to teams that have not been able to meet the cap.
Another major change is the implementation of the salary floor, where clubs will be required to spend 90% of the salary cap allowing for greater investment in players and the game at large.
Furthermore, teams will roster 11 players (formally 10) which will increase the amount of players able to play professionally in Australia.
The ABA worked closely with the NBL to ensure these new changes were adopted.
The ABA’s chief officer and former player, Jacob Holmes, said “The ABA has driven these changes on behalf of our players and after five years of negotiation, we are very pleased with the result.”
“These changes signify a new phase for the NBL. The interests of the players are put at the forefront, and by increasing player opportunities and development, we increase talent and engagement in the game.” Holmes said.
The ABA and players have remained consistent with their position of needing a new salary system and seeking the removal of the player points system and thank all current and former NBL players for their support, including the wider support from fellow ABA members, the Opals, Boomers and WNBL players.
The ABA is an initiative of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, established to further, protect and advance the rights, interests and welfare of Australian basketball players.
Read the full summary of changes
ABA welcomes changes to NBL player contract and salary rules
Last update: March 31, 2016
