MIES (Switzerland) – Recent changes in the NCAA sports model, allowing for student-athletes to sign NIL deals and receive direct payments from their colleges, have created new challenges for international players. To this end, FIBA has responded swiftly to help players and their families considering a career in the NCAA, to make informed choices.
FIBA has developed and published a detailed Q&A Guide to assist players, parents, National Federations, clubs and agents from outside the United States. The document covers key issues such as eligibility, contracts and career planning.
The guide is a dynamic document, and as such will be updated as rule changes and new circumstances develop. It is accessible online on the FIBA Players Hub at https://about.fiba.basketball/en/q-and-a-guide-for-ncaa-international-players.
"We have identified the need to provide more clarity for players navigating a rapidly transformed landscape and to help the international community understand how the structure of college basketball is being reshaped," said FIBA Head of Players Unit, Kimberley Gaucher.
The published document outlines the different types of NIL rights and explains the various considerations involved in such agreements. It also summarizes the framework enabling NCAA Division I colleges to make direct payments to student-athletes.
The guide also covers key topics such as visa requirements, tax implications, college recruitment, existing contracts with non-U.S. clubs, national team participation, and the process for obtaining a Letter of Clearance after the end of the player’s NCAA eligibility.
The Q&A Guide reflects the comprehensive process that began with FIBA forming an expert group on young players and the NCAA to conduct a series of surveys and research.
The group’s recommendations, approved by the FIBA Central Board, focused on three key goals: helping players make informed career choices, increasing the availability of NCAA players for national teams, and protecting club investment in youth development.
The process also included briefings and sessions with National Member Federations, leagues and clubs, which continue to be offered by FIBA to stakeholders worldwide.
FIBA