There are a lot of doubts about the upcoming professional basketball overseas season worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the moment FIBA and participating countries and leagues are working towards restarting basketball competitions. There are a lot of risks associated with COVID-19 and basketball is a contact sport and without some type of bubble system such as the NBA, the situation is not ideal.

Each country and local government have their own guidelines and restrictions so the governing body FIBA will only have so much input the final decisions. For example, in Spain the local governments are not allowing teams to compete at the moment and because of the second wave of COVID-19 infections there is no certainty when that will be uplifted.

Are teams expected to play this year?

Many teams are anxious to start, not only financially but for the sport in general, however due to COVID-19, it is still up in the air. However, if teams can create an environment where social distancing requirements are met, players test negative in the PCR test and temperature check ups before and after games, basketball leagues could restart. It is a tricky situation because not all COVID-19 contacts are made equal and someone who tested negative a few days ago could test positive after the 4th day.

Are teams recruiting?

Yes, pro basketball overseas teams are recruiting, however with caution like everything else during this uncertainty. I personally think most teams will limit their signings and sign players who they have no doubt about their potential. Teams who could see a “maybe” player will definitely think twice and because many basketball leagues depend on government funding and sponsors, it will hard due to the economy as it is today. I doubt teams will risk a lot financially this season unfortunately thus many players will be out of work.

View the full FIBA COVID-19 Guidelines that was published the first week of August 2020.

Stay Motivated and In Shape!

I don’t want to get the hopes down for any  players and I encourage players to keep hustling and working out because no one knows when things will turn around and you could possibly be called to play basketball overseas. Keep your game sharp, your mind positive and you will be in the best situation when the time comes.

Also, if you have decided to hang up your shoes during this pandemic, I recommend reading the website After Basketball, it will help you transition after playing the sport you love the most.