EFA

EUROLEAGUE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT (EFA)

The EFA regulates the relationship between the EuroLeague clubs and the EuroLeague players. It entered into force on July 23, 2021 and will last for three EuroLeague seasons, should no new agreement be reached prior to its expiry.

Click here to download the complete EuroLeague Framework Agreement (EFA).

STANDARD PLAYER CONTRACT (SPC)

In accordance with the EFA, each player and the club by which he is employed must sign an SPC in order for the player to be able to be registered in EuroLeague. The SPC reflects the EFA and serves as a compulsory minimum standard for all EuroLeague clubs and players.

Click here to download the Standard Player Contract (SPC).

Click here to download the Temporary Standard Player Contract (SPC).

Any
Questions?

Player FAQs – The FAQs below, intended for EuroLeague players, serve as a brief description of various topics within the EFA and SPC. For complete and detailed description please refer to the original documents.

Contract
And Salary

What types of contracts exist?

Standard Player Contract (SPC) defines the relationship between the player and the club and serves as a compulsory minimum standard. Types of professional contracts are: Full-season professional contract (including contracts signed during the season until the end of the season, or Multi-season contracts), Temporary professional contract , Youth/Linked team contract and Training agreement.

What is a youth/linked team contract?

When a player of the club’s youth/linked team aged 23 or less practices or participates within the structure of the professional team, the relationship will be ruled by a corresponding agreement between the parties, to cover the working conditions for professional contracts.

What is the minimum salary?

The minimum gross remuneration for a player with a full-season professional contract is set on a scaled basis considering a player’s number of seasons in the EuroLeague on a professional contract. Seasons played by the player before the adoption of the EFA are taken into consideration.

Seasons in EuroLeague and minimum remuneration/season:

  • Season 1: €60,000
  • Season 2: €80,000
  • Season 3: €100,000
  • Season 4: €120,000
  • Season 5+: €140,000
Can I negotiate with other clubs while I am under a contract?

Neither player nor his agent may negotiate contracts with another club while the player is under contract with a EuroLeague club, without the previous authorization of the club with whom the player is under contract. Clubs are also prohibited from negotiating with a player who is under contract (or his agent) with another club, unless it receives prior authorization from the club with whom the player is under contract. These rules do not apply starting from the last 60 days before the expiry of the contract.

What happens in case of force majeure situations?

In case of an alteration or cancellation of the EuroLeague season (not merely the postponement of games), or the complete or partial exclusion of spectators from official games of the club as a direct consequence of force majeure, the club will be entitled to adjust the total gross remuneration, but only under rules provided in detail under Clause 9 of the EFA.

What happens if Euroleague opens a disciplinary proceeding against me?

ELPA will be informed on the opening of Euroleague’s disciplinary proceeding against any player and will have the right to represent the player upon his authorization before the different hearing bodies on his behalf.

What is the maximum length of a Multi-season contract?

The maximum length is 5 seasons.

What is a training agreement?

Training agreement is intended for players who are enrolled in the pre-season and/or training activities of the club without being registered to participate in the EuroLeague.

What is the maximum bonus %?

The amount corresponding to variable bonuses related to player/team performance may not exceed a maximum of 25% of the base remuneration, unless EFA provides an exception.

Will my contract include health insurance?

Yes, clubs must provide and cover adequate superior health insurance and basic dental care for the player for the duration of player’s contract. In addition, the club must also provide and cover basic health insurance for player’s spouse and/or children.

What happens if my salary is overdue?

In case of overdue payables being late more than 15 days, the Management Control Commission (MCC) will initiate monitoring proceedings against a club at the request of a player. Same will be done automatically, if the club’s quarterly remuneration payment confirmations sent to the MCC (on 15 October, 15 January, 15 April, and 15 July) reveal that player’s remuneration has been overdue for more than 15 days, or if a club fails to report its quarterly remuneration payment confirmations at the abovementioned dates.

The MCC will initiate a period of up to 30 days, to monitor the claim for overdue payables. Cases in which club’s quarterly remuneration payment confirmations show that a remuneration payment has been overdue for at least 45 days will be referred to the Finance Panel, and an immediate temporary ban on the registering players will be imposed on the club.

ELPA will represent and/or make any petitions on behalf of any player upon presentation of a corresponding player’s authorization.

How are players’ image rights regulated?

In accordance with EFA aplayer grants the club during their contractual relationship his image rights with regard to all the activities of the club. Players’ trademarks (e.g., registered personal logo) are excluded.

Furthermore, players remain the holders of image rights that are not related to the activity of their Club (“Personal Image Rights”), although the players may not exercise them by entering into agreements with partners competing with the seven designated partners of the club and five designated EuroLeague partners, nor use the club nor EuroLeague brands/logos when exploiting their Personal Image Rights, unless otherwise agreed with the club and/or EuroLeague. In the event that the player already has an existing agreement with a sponsor of such category, the partnerships may coexist on a non-exclusive basis. 

The technical apparel category is excluded; therefore, players are free to associate their personal image rights with any technical apparel company. 

For more information on players’ image rights please refer to Clause 10 of the EFA. 

What is a Temporary contract?

Temporary professional contract may have a term of less than the full season and has a minimum duration of 30 days. It can be renewed once, or extended for the rest of the season (either upon its first or second expiration).

What salary information does the SPC entail?

The SPC details the gross remuneration, which is understood as the aggregate amount of wages received by a player on a regular basis, usually monthly, including any tax payments, and/or social security contributions made by the club originating from the net remuneration (“base remuneration”). The total gross remuneration includes all fees for services provided by the player to the club, including payment for the player granting the use of his image rights, bonuses, fringe benefits or other payments in kind made to the player.

The club must provide the player with the estimated net amount based on the applicable tax and social security regulations at the time of signing the SPC.

Will I receive monthly payment confirmations?

Yes, the club must provide each player with a detailed monthly record of payments in accordance with the terms of the contract, which includes gross and net payment, taxes and social security contributions, if any.

Can I stop practicing and playing games in case my salary is overdue? When am I able to terminate my contract?

If a player’s salary has been overdue for more than 45 days, a player can cease its activities for the club. In case a player’s salary has been overdue for more than 60 days, a player may unilaterally terminate his player contract and seek the remaining value of the contract. Deadlines are shorter for players on temporary contracts with duration of less than four months (15 days for ceasing activity and 30 days for unilateral termination).

Does each club have the same internal team rules?

No, each club may maintain or establish its own internal team rules provided that  team rules are in writing, are reasonable, and do not violate the provisions of the EFA or SPC. The club may impose disciplinary sanctions on the player, such as warning, fine, penalty or suspension. However, team rules must be applied in a uniform and non-discriminatory manner, therefore no club can sanction a player for situations such as:

  • poor performance in game or practice.
  • losing a game or games.
  • not attending club activities on a day off.
  • not participating in any unofficial practice and/or activity.
  • leaving for a second medical opinion in accordance with “Second Medical Opinion” provisions in the EFA.

Working Conditions

When does the training camp start?

Training camp may begin up to a maximum of 35 days prior to Round 1 of the EuroLeague regular season or club’s domestic competition, whichever the earliest.

Any other club activity in July or August is voluntary for players to join. Under no circumstance can a club pressure or coerce a player into any individual/team activity or practice prior to the start of training camp.

Will I receive a weekly schedule plan?

Yes, clubs must provide players with a weekly schedule plan (which includes practices, games and travel times, appearances, etc.) in writing, at least 2 days in advance.

What are the improvements in the area of player health and wellness?

Clubs have to report information about each players’ rest due to injury and/or illness. Each player has access to his own collected medical data.

Starting with the season 2021/22, a concussion protocol was implemented, which is  mandatory for all participating clubs.

Starting with the season 2022/23, a league-wide pre-season physical performance test will be implemented, which will serve as a standardised evaluation of players’ physical shape before the start of basketball activity

In case of surgery, player and club must agree on the attending physician. In addition, player has a right to opt for the operating physician of his choice, provided that he agrees to cover any additional costs above the club’s coverage.

At least one member of the club’s Medical and Performance Staff who regularly travels with the team must have a valid AED-CPR Certification issued by a valid institution and recognized by the country where the club is based.

Do I have to use my digital/social media to promote EuroLeague and club’s partners?

Only upon each player’s individual approval, the commercial appearances may include activation in the player’s digital/social media channels by creating content around it or sharing content provided by EuroLeague or the club.

How many days off do I have?

Players have a minimum of four days off per month, with only physiotherapy, medical treatments or travel permitted on those days.

Do I get any days off after national team competitions?

Yes, after any major national team competition (i.e.: World Cup, Continental Championships, Olympic Games, excluding qualification phases or tournaments), players are entitled to a minimum of two calendar days off, not counting travel days, before joining the club.

What are the practice rules during the preseason?

On single practice days, practice session may last no longer than 3 hours, including the time spent in weight room, stretching, and participating in aerobic warm-ups and cool-downs. On double practice days, practice sessions may last for an aggregate of 5 hours.

There cannot be more than five consecutive practice sessions (never three consecutive days with two practices). All basketball practice sessions during preseason can be contact practices (with ankles taped).

Are players entitled to days off during the preseason?

Yes, players will have one day off per week during preseason. If the EuroLeague Media Day is conducted on a practice day, a second practice session is not permitted. Media/promotional/commercial activities are permitted on the days off during the preseason.

Can I ask for a second medical opinion, if needed?

Yes, players have the right to ask for a neutral second medical opinion regarding the treatment of injuries of players and all the related health conditions/concerns that will be coordinated through the Euroleague Basketball Medical Officer. ELPA members  have any cost related to the second medical opinion covered in full (medical consultation fee, travel expenses, etc.)

Am I allowed to wear the basketball shoes of my choosing during practices and games?

It is player’s choice as to what brand of basketball shoes he wears in games and practices, unless the club has an existing technical provider agreement that includes shoes at the time of entry into force of the present EFA. In such case, the player is obliged to wear the basketball shoes provided by the Club. However, this exception will not apply, if the player has an existing personal endorsement deal in the technical apparel category concerning basketball shoes, or has another justified reason (e.g. medical or performance-related) not to wear the shoes provided by the club.

What are the travel improvements?

When traveling, clubs must book priority check-in, security fast lane, and priority boarding. Upon availability on commercial flights, exit row seats must be booked for 12 players.

Players are not obliged to carry any additional team luggage (e.g., practice gear, team jerseys, medical equipment etc.) for home or away games.

After away games, team dinner is not obligatory, and players are released to leisure time, as long as team travel schedules are respected.

Hotels must be rated at least four-star on all trips or when the club organizes a ‘camp’ in home city prior to any games. Single hotel rooms are available for players during all trips, including preseason and if the club organizes a ‘camp’ in home city prior to any games.

Hotels must have an appropriate fitness center with machines for weight-lifting and cardio exercises suitable for players’ individual training. Hotels must have extra-long beds available on clubs’/players’ request.

Can I receive complimentary game tickets?

During the regular season and the playoffs, each player receives a minimum of two lower bowl complimentary tickets for every home game, and one complimentary ticket for every away game. Players also have an option to purchase additional tickets for every home game and away game (when available).

Am I allowed to play organized basketball outside of the EuroLeague and domestic league?

Players must obtain permission from their club to participate in any other organized basketball activity, anywhere in the world. This does not apply to a player’s off-season participation with 5v5 national teams.

What are the practice rules during the competition season?

There can only be one practice per day (with ankles taped). The only exception is when the club has only one or no official games per week. In that case, a second daily basketball practice can only take place once a week and it may only be a non-contact practice.

On practice days, practice sessions may last an aggregate of no longer than 3 hours, including the time spent in weight room, stretching, and participating in aerobic warm-ups and cool-downs.

After any game (except during official tournaments or playoffs), the earliest time a practice or any other activity can begin is 12:00 noon the next day, except for travel or medical treatment.

Is it required of me to participate in promotional and commercial appearances?

Yes, players are required to actively promote EuroLeague and club partners, attending at no cost a maximum of 12 commercial appearances per season (shared between EuroLeague and clubs). If a player makes any additional commercial appearances in the same season, he will be remunerated per every appearance above 12 in the amount of €1,000 for every appearance.

Am I obliged to wear wearable devices during practices and games?

The use of wearable technology provided by clubs in practices will be subject to the voluntary acceptance by each player, who has the right to refuse its usage at any time. The use of wearable devices during games will be solely authorized by EuroLeague, which will ensure that any  potential interference with the player’s performance caused by devices used is minimized. ELPA will be consulted previously regarding the use of any wearable devices during games.

Am I entitled to birth leave?

Yes, players are entitled to a minimum of three calendar days off (including games), not including travel days, for birth leave, which must be close to the child’s date of birth (15 days preceding or following the birth). Player should notify the club about his intent to use birth leave at least 14 days in advance.

Am I entitled to a leave in the unfortunate event of a death of a family member?

Yes, players are entitled to a minimum of three calendar days off (including games), not including travel days in case of a death of an immediate family member (i.e. partner, spouse, parents, grandparents, children, or siblings,).

Can I engage in high-risk activity during my spare-time?

Players are prohibited from engaging from any high-risk activity without prior consent from the club in accordance with the EFA and SPC.

About
ELPA

How can I become an ELPA member?

Players who wish to become ELPA members have to fill out and sign ELPA Membership form, provided to each player upon signing the SPC. In addition, players have to pay the Membership fee, which is outlined in the Payment Authorization Form, attached to the SPC.

    How much is the annual ELPA membership or service fee?
      • Youth/linked team contract – free of charge
      • Full-season professional contract (including contracts signed for the rest of the season), depending on the Player’s total gross remuneration per season:
        1. less than 60,000 EUR – 500 EUR
        2. from 60,000 EUR 100,000 EUR – 1,000 EUR
        3. from 100,001 to 300,000 EUR – 2,000 EUR
        4. above 300,001 EUR – 3,000 EUR
      • Temporary professional contract: pro rata share of the amount for the full-season contract (if the player subsequently signs a full-season professional contract during the same season, the paid amount will be deducted from the fee for the full-season contract).

      If a player also pays a membership fee to a national players association in the country where the club is domiciled, such fee will be deducted from the annual ELPA membership fee.

      Same rules and options apply for the Service fee.

    Does ELPA organize any educational programs?

    During pre-season, selected players (maximum two from each club) are permitted to attend ELPA activities for up to two days.

    All first-year players are obliged to attend online Euroleague/ELPA Newcomer Program, held in the early part of each season.

    ELPA conducts two in-season Educational Sessions for players, either online or in-person. In connection with various universities, ELPA provides opportunities for players who wish to obtain academic degrees during their active career.

    ELPA conducts annual ELPA Team Meetings with each EuroLeague team, either online or in-person.

    How do I pay the annual ELPA membership or service fee?

    Players can authorize the club to deduct the ELPA membership fee from their remuneration by signing the “ELPA Membership Fee/Service Fee Payment Authorization Form” (provided together with the SPC). The club will forward the deducted amount to ELPA no later than 30 days after player’s registration to the EuroLeague.

    In case the club is not legally allowed to deduct the membership or service fee from the Player’s remuneration, the Player must pay to ELPA the membership or service fee himself no later than 30 days after his registration with the EuroLeague

    Am I obliged to become an ELPA member?

    No. However, the working conditions negotiated in the EFA as well as the benefits and protections warranted by ELPA to its members are granted to all players participating in EuroLeague indiscriminately, i.e. irrespective of whether a player is an ELPA member or not. In return, all players pay either ELPA membership fee or service fee (in case player is not ELPA member).

    Statutory rights under the ELPA Statutes are reserved only for ELPA members, e.g. becoming a team representative, voting in the General Assembly or being eligible to be elected to an office within ELPA.