Overseas Basketball Salaries: The Basketball League (TBL) Salaries [Verified by TBL President]
TBL PLAYER SALARIES SUMMARY:
Monthly Salary Ranges: |
$500 - $7,000USD |
Most Commonly Reported Monthly Salary: |
$1,300 - $1,800USD (50%) |
Lowest Reported Monthly Salary: |
$500USD |
MAX Salary: |
$7,000USD |
TBL Pro Players Surveyed: |
10 |
Source : Josecolorado.com, Professional Basketball Players Survey Data [2021]
Located in the United States, The Basketball League’s (TBL) monthly salary range is between US$500 - US$7,000 although the most commonly reported salaries fell between $1,300USD - $1,800USD (50%).
Although not reported in our player survey, the highest (MAX) salary ever recorded is $7,000USD according to high-ranking league sources.
Based on our player survey that looked at over 100 professional leagues worldwide:
Excluding the NBA (and NBA G-League), this ranks TBL 3rd in overseas basketball salaries when looking at the North American professional basketball market, behind:
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
The National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC)
TBL MONTHLY SALARIES (PLAYER SURVEY RESULTS)
The Basketball LEAGUE SALARIES: TBL Basketball SALARIES
The Basketball League’s (TBL) player salaries are really no secret at this point.
Despite just 4 years of operation the league has been refreshingly transparent in how much players can expect and what type of positions they are offering.
Just check out the FAQ on their official website.
Photo credit: The Basketball League
But that doesn’t tell the entire story.
When it comes to TBL player salaries:
The vast majority of overseas basketball players should expect approximately $1,300 - $2,500USD per month while playing in the TBL. According to TBL President, David Magley, this is the most commonly reported salary range amongst players.
Fittingly enough:
That agrees with the player survey data we collected as $1,300USD - $1,800USD was our most commonly reported salary range with 50% of hoopers saying they earned within this range.
And with 35 teams located throughout the United States, the TBL = plenty of opportunities to go and get that money.
Photo credit: The Basketball League
While $500USD is the lowest monthly salary on record in TBL, Magley confirmed salaries have gone up to as high as 7K (although no player reported this on our player survey as this is a very rare occurrence).
Important to note then:
THERE IS NO MAX SALARY LIMIT IN THE TBL, ONLY AS MUCH AS A TEAM IS WILLING TO PAY FOR A PLAYER.
SO APPARENTLY, THAT NUMBER HAS BEEN SET AT $7,000USD SO FAR.
And while the league is made up of primarily Americans simply based on its location, there is no restriction on foreigners.
That means - in theory - neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico could see this league as a possible option.
You’d just have to get your United States working VISA.
With all that being said:
The TBL IS NOT a FIBA-sanctioned league.
So take that as you will.
The downside of that is some overseas leagues simply won’t take new(er) and unsanctioned FIBA leagues too seriously.
But:
The NBLC in Canada has carved out a pretty decent niche in overseas basketball despite not being a FIBA-sanctioned league.
The main difference:
The NBLC has capped its team limit at roughly 8-12 every season (changes yearly).
Meanwhile TBL is already at 30+ teams, meaning competition is sure to be watered down at that point.
If you can get on one of the more recognizable teams though, you will have great film and competition on your hands.
The financial upside of the TBL structure?
Option 1:
Teams will typically structure their practice routines around players’ 9-5 jobs.
That way:
Players can earn some nice side cash through their TBL contract while still working their regular job.
Here’s a great story the New York Times did mentioning this dynamic.
But if that’s not for YOU and you’d prefer making overseas basketball a full-time gig then…
Option 2:
Players can be earning money while playing for their local TBL team and then leave overseas to a FIBA-sanctioned league for better pay without the hassle of a:
FIBA Letter of release
FIBA Letter of clearance
FIBA teams fighting over clearance process
In fact:
The majority of players do just that according to an article published by Finance.Yahoo.com.
Photo credit: Finance.Yahoo.com
Anthony Moe - formerly of the Albany Patroons - is one of the most recent examples as he went from the TBL to the LSB in Nicaragua - a league that can pay big bucks depending on the roster.
Another positive:
The TBL already has some high-profile names on board including:
So that means connections to certain pro clubs and areas are all but certain.
One final note:
TBL Combines.
Approximately 94% of ALL players in the TBL are taken from the league/team combines (yes, you read that right).
In other words:
If after reading up to this point you still want into this league, you must fork over the money up front.
At the time of this writing, it’s approximately $200USD to attend a combine.
A few notes if you’re wondering whether this is worth it or not financially:
TBL has A LOT of combines throughout the US (very accessible)
Yes, I do think that price is a little high for a combine
But TBL’s purpose is to get players overseas (makes you look good and them) so they will work for you (i.e. the TBL isn’t intended to be the last stop)
TBL has proven to be a worthy springboard league thus far (this should continue to grow)
So with all things considered:
I actually believe the TBL has one of the more compelling combines in North America at the moment if you are looking to get started in overseas basketball.
And I let this be known in my guide to helping players get started in overseas basketball.
So if you are American and have no options then it’s something to seriously consider.
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY PLAYING IN TBL
In 2021, due to the global situation, TBL’s season is expected to run from April - June with the playoffs in July (3 months total).
But generally speaking:
The TBL basketball season will run from March - early June (3.5 months with training camp).
That means…
BECAUSE THERE IS ONLY ONE TBL SEASON PER YEAR THEN THE AVERAGE TBL PRO PLAYER CAN EXPECT TO MAKE APPROXIMATELY $5,425USD PLAYING IN TBL PER YEAR.
The math breakdown:
Take the most commonly reported monthly salary range ($1,300USD - $1,800USD)
Pinpoint the middle of that range ($1,550USD)
Multiply $1,550x3.5 (for the number of months played per year)
Total amount = $5,425USD
Unfortunately:
With the TBL not being FIBA-sanctioned, it cannot participate in the Basketball Champions League of the Americas - an event meant for the best clubs in the continent (serious exposure + money).
So there is not an additional opportunity for more cash.
Meaning:
Once the domestic season is over, so is the pay cheque.
That is, until next season.
BUT:
With so many teams located throughout the United States, there really should be no issue for Americans to find a nearby club if they’re interested.
But in case it is:
Players have personally told me that some clubs will cover housing and food for out-of-town players with per diem (food/travel money) provided for road games.
Something to keep in mind in case you needed to look outside your local community.
TBL BASKETBALL SALARY RANKING IN North America
When excluding the NBA and NBA G-League, TBL ranks as the third highest-paying pro league in North America in terms of MAX salary and AVERAGE monthly salary for overseas basketball players.
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) rank first and second, respectively.
PAY GRADE COMPARISON BETWEEN CEBL, NBLC aND tbl
Now understand something:
This is an imperfect comparison since the CEBL operates on a per-game basis rather than a monthly basis (average salary is about $700/game per Sportsnet).
That means players could miss some games in the CEBL each month by being:
Injured
Suspended
Not selected (coach’s decision)
…and their salary would be greatly impacted.
But nonetheless:
This gives us an idea of where the TBL stands within the North American market.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it.
The Basketball League - an emerging American-based overseas pro basketball league meant to help players get their start in overseas basketball and move onto higher-paying basketball salaries.
If you’re a more established player then this likely isn’t the league for you.
That is, unless it’s just a quick pit stop or you are settling back home in the States and looking for some side cash while continuing to play.
But for the hundreds of other beginners and rookies in the USA every year who are looking to get into overseas basketball, the TBL provides a viable platform to showcase your talents and begin earning money in overseas basketball.
From there, it’s on you to perform.
TBL BASKETBALL SALARIES SUMMARY:
35 TBL Pro Teams means lots of basketball wages to be earned
TBL’s average monthly basketball salary range is $1300 - $1800USD
MAX TBL salary is approximately $7,000USD
Rookie overseas basketball players - and thus salaries - are prioritized
Do you know anyone who has played in TBL before?
What was their experience like?
Let me know in the comments below!
Jose Colorado is a five-year professional basketball player helping others achieve their goals of pro basketball through a proven, research-based approach.
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