ELPA applauds the provisional agreement between EuroLeague Basketball and FIBA to avoid overlapping calendar of clubs’ and national teams’ competitions in the 2023/24 season. The recent calendar dispute was one of players’ main drivers for ELPA’s foundation and it is appreciated that Euroleague Basketball and FIBA have been able to bridge some of their differences on the topic – which has also been a long-standing request by the players.
ELPA wishes to remind both governing bodies that the agreement means the total number of games per season remains very high. A plan is needed to limit the maximum number of games played during a season and to improve conditions for players who are joining national teams, both in-season and in the summer. Additionally, the FIBA insurance for national team players needs to be expanded and clarified. ELPA calls on both sides to continue working together and to find best possible solutions to these important topics, which will not only help the players, but basketball as a whole.
ELPA remains committed to participate in the process and to improve the working conditions of players for the good of the wider basketball community.
