Amanda Knapp
The start time of the overseas basketball season varies depending on the region and league in question. For example, the European schedule typically runs for 8-9 months, beginning in late September to early October and ending in late May to early June. In Latin America, the season length can vary from 3 to 8 months, with some of the bigger leagues adopting longer schedules, such as Argentina's La Liga, which runs from December to July. The UK university basketball season runs from October to January, followed by postseason tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Americas | 3-5 months |
| Europe | 8-9 months |
| Latin America | 7-8 months |
| Asia | 2-8 months |
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What You'll Learn
The European basketball season
The Euroleague, the top men's professional basketball club competition in Europe, follows a similar schedule. For example, the 2025 Euroleague season features fixtures throughout the spring, with matches taking place in April and beyond.
Compared to other parts of the world, the European basketball season is quite long, but it is not as game-heavy. While the number of games varies across different regions, European leagues generally have a more relaxed schedule, with teams playing 2-4 games per week.
It is worth noting that the length of the basketball season can vary slightly between different countries and divisions within Europe, with some seasons lasting a month or so longer or shorter than others. However, the overall structure and duration of the season tend to remain consistent across the continent.
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The Latin American basketball season
For example, Argentina's top basketball league, La Liga, typically runs for about 7 months from December to July. On the other hand, Brazil's top division, the NBB, has a longer season, usually lasting 8 months from October to June.
Other Latin American countries with notable basketball leagues include Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Venezuela, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala. These countries have professional basketball leagues with varying schedules, but the duration of their seasons generally falls within the 3 to 8-month range.
The Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) is another important tournament in the region. The inaugural season of the BCLA started on October 28, 2019, and the tournament has since been aired in selected South American countries, as well as North America through channels like FanDuel TV and the league's YouTube channel.
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The Asian basketball season
In Asia, several countries host basketball leagues with varying schedules. For example, Japan's B1 League, which recently saw San-en NP defeat Tochigi Brex, operates a regular season format. Similarly, the Taiwanese league features teams like Taipei Taishin Mars (T1 League) and the Mustangs (Taiwanese TAT League). The B2 League in Japan also has a regular season and recently witnessed Fukuoka R's defeat by Kobe S in Round 52.
The Asian Games, a multi-sport event held in Asia, has included basketball as a regular sport since its inception in Delhi in 1951. The tournaments served as the de facto Asian championships until the Asian Basketball Confederation Championship was established in 1960. The Philippines men's basketball team won their first gold medal in 50 years in the 2022 Asian Games, defeating Jordan in the final.
In addition to country-specific leagues and the Asian Games, Asia also hosts regional competitions like the Basketball Champions League Asia. This league includes teams from various Asian countries, such as the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots from Taiwan, who recently won their qualification opener.
While the exact schedules vary, the Asian basketball season generally falls within the range of 2 to 8 months, with most leagues averaging 3 to 6 months of play.
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How to play basketball overseas
The basketball season varies depending on where you are in the world. In Europe, the season typically runs for 8-9 months, starting in late September to early October and ending in late May to early June. In Latin America, the season varies between 2-8 months, with some of the bigger leagues adopting a longer schedule. For example, Argentina's La Liga runs from December to July, while Brazil's top division, the NBB, goes from October to June.
If you're an American player aspiring to play basketball overseas, there are a few things you should consider:
Education and Experience:
Playing college basketball is essential to pursuing a professional career, especially in a competitive league. Players coming from more reputable Division 1 schools are more marketable and have a higher chance of landing a contract as rookies. However, it's not impossible to land a contract coming from D2, D3, JUCO, or NAIA schools, although these are generally in lower-level, lower-paying leagues. Attending a university provides high-level coaching, competition, and mental and physical growth that are invaluable for your development as a player.
Networking and Agents:
Networking is crucial to finding opportunities overseas. Building relationships and making a name for yourself can attract the attention of overseas teams. While some players prefer to represent themselves, working with an agent can increase your chances of securing a contract. Agents have the connections and expertise to navigate the complexities of overseas basketball. However, it's important to choose an agent carefully, as some may take advantage of players who are uninformed about the overseas basketball landscape.
Passport and Citizenship:
Ensure that you have a valid passport before planning to play abroad. Your passport is essential for travelling and, in some cases, registering for international teams or leagues. Explore the possibility of dual citizenship, especially if your parents or grandparents were born in another country. This can make you more attractive to overseas teams, as some leagues have restrictions on the number of Americans they can roster.
Exposure and Marketing:
Attending basketball exposure camps, such as the Las Vegas Combine or Overseas Basketball Combine, can provide valuable opportunities to showcase your skills to international scouts and teams. Creating a comprehensive player resume, including detailed stats and highlights, is crucial for standing out among the many players seeking overseas opportunities. Utilize social media platforms and create a website to showcase your skills and achievements.
Placement Programs:
Consider enrolling in professional placement programs, such as EuroProBasket, which provide opportunities to play in recognized leagues across Europe. These programs can facilitate your transition from college basketball to the professional level and offer exposure to European teams.
Remember, playing basketball overseas is highly competitive, and securing a contract is challenging. Be persistent, proactive, and open to exploring different leagues and countries to increase your chances of achieving your dream of playing basketball internationally.
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The difficulty of landing an overseas contract
Playing basketball overseas is a dream for many basketball players. However, landing a professional contract to play basketball in another country is not easy. There are many hurdles to overcome and a lot of competition.
Firstly, it is important to note that you cannot skip college and play overseas. You need to play college basketball to even have a chance at an overseas career. Playing for a Division 1 school will always be more marketable than lower divisions, and players from these schools will find it easier to land a contract as a rookie. However, it is still possible to land overseas contracts if you have played in lower divisions, they will just be in lower-level, lower-paying leagues.
Once you have played college basketball, you need to create a basketball resume. This should include your full legal name, date of birth, height, weight, position, college, stats, awards and achievements, links to game film and highlight film, and a clear headshot. You will also need a passport to travel and, often, to register for an international team or league. It is also worth checking if you qualify for dual citizenship in another country, as most overseas leagues only have a limited number of spots for Americans on the roster, making it harder to land a contract.
It is also important to do your research on potential agents. Many agents are not licensed to negotiate contracts and some may take advantage of players who are uneducated about overseas basketball. It is recommended to ask which agency they work with and to research the agency's history and previous clients. It is also important to note that you do not need an agent, although it is not easy to formulate overseas relationships without one.
Finally, it is crucial to stay conditioned and ready for a tryout. There is a lot of competition for places on overseas teams, so you need to be at your performance peak to showcase everything you can offer.
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Frequently asked questions
The basketball season in Europe usually starts in late September to early October and runs for about 8-9 months.
The basketball season in Latin America varies across countries. In Argentina, the season usually runs from December to July, while in Brazil, it goes from October to June.
The start and end dates of the basketball season in Asia vary considerably. The season in this region typically runs between 2-8 months, with most leagues averaging between 3-6 months.
Yes, the start of the season can be influenced by exceptional circumstances such as the global pandemic in 2020, which temporarily rearranged the overseas basketball schedule.
