What is the Bosman B Passport? [Definition + List of Updated Eligible Countries]
While not quite as powerful as Bosman A status, the Bosman B passport is still one of the most useful tools in overseas basketball.
With it, professional players are at a distinct advantage in the European basketball market as they are granted special privileges to certain countries, regions and leagues in the continent.
It’s something every eligible player should explore to its fullest as it will increase your employability to agents and teams in pro basketball immensely.
So let’s find out why.
What is the bosman b passport?
In overseas basketball the Bosman B passport essentially refers to any European passport that is not a member of the European Union. In particular, the vast majority of Bosman B passports are located in Eastern Europe and the Balkan region.
As discussed in my deep dive into the Bosman A passport, in 1995 a historic case surrounding a Belgium soccer player named, Jean-Marc Bosman, granted the free mobility and transfer of professional athletes across the European Union.
Now:
While that ruling didn’t directly impact Europeans outside of the European Union, in order to distinguish between a Bosman A player and all other European players, it has become common practice in overseas basketball to refer to all Europeans born outside of the European Union as Bosman B players.
Basically then:
The term Bosman B is a by-product of the “Bosman A” ruling.
WHAT DOES a BOSMAN b PLAYER MEAN IN BASKETBALL?
The majority of European pro basketball leagues have roster spots designated for Bosman B players, putting these players at a distinct advantage over import or “foreign-born” players but not quite at the level of accessibility as a Bosman A player.
Nonetheless, these features make Bosman B players considerably more valuable to agents, coaches and managers across Europe as they are given more job opportunities and an easier transition into the European culture/system.
(If you haven’t read my article on What is the Bosman A Passport? then I’d recommend pausing here and heading over there to get some background info. Otherwise, this next segment could be a bit complicated.)
Something very important to remember here:
Unlike the Bosman A passport that grants “national status” across similar Bosman A countries (i.e. European Union), Bosman B players aren’t necessarily given universal mobility as a “national” in fellow Bosman B countries.
Instead:
Bosman B roster spots/recognition are entirely up to the country/league.
For instance:
As a Bosman A country, Spain allows Croatians, Italians, Portuguese…literally any player holding an EU passport to play as a national rather than a foreign-born player.
And the same privilege extends back to Spaniards who want to play in fellow Bosman A countries (few exceptions).
In contrast:
A player from a Bosman B country - such as Serbia - can play in some Bosman B countries such as Albania and Montenegro under the Bosman B designation.
But he/she can also be classified as an import in some other Bosman B countries.
In other words:
Some leagues recognize Bosman B players, others don’t.
And the same goes for Bosman A countries when looking at Bosman B players.
Some Bosman A countries designate roster spots specifically for Bosman B players (e.g. Spain).
Bosman B players are recognized in certain European basketball countries.
And some don’t (e.g. Germany).
In the event that Bosman B isn’t recognized then a European roster would likely be split up into:
Imports/foreigners
Nationals
Cotonou (depends on country)
Bosman B players are not recognized in certain European basketball countries.
In the end then:
While the Bosman A is supposed to be mandated by every fellow European Union country due to the Bosman ruling.
There is no LEGAL requirement to recognize the Bosman B within Europe.
Agents and insiders have told me it is entirely up to the league/country.
With all that being said:
The majority of countries do designate spots specifically for Bosman B players.
So getting your passport from a Bosman B country will still hold tremendous value as you’ll:
Be recognized as a national within your home country
Have additional roster spots reserved for you as a Bosman B player in some countries
Remember:
As I’ve mentioned in countless other articles, your nationality is one of the most important factors in determining your overseas basketball success.
It can literally make or break it at times.
Why?
With the vast majority of FIBA-regulated rosters made up of nationals - meaning players with citizenship/passport where the league is taking place - foreigners are only given a select few spots.
That may have been a bit of an exaggeration but it’s likely not too far off.
Playing as strictly a foreigner for your career is an extremely difficult task that only a select few can achieve in the long-term.
Other benefits to being a Bosman B player:
Easier VISA process (HUGE factor in lower levels)
Potentially closer geographically; cheaper flights (if you live in a Bosman B country)
Existing knowledge of European norms/customs
Increased salary wages (easier to be a high-level national than high-level import)
Lowered expectations (not as high as an import’s expectations)
Increased employability (agents more likely to work with you)
Bosman b countries in basketball
As mentioned, the vast majority of Bosman B countries in overseas basketball are those found in Eastern Europe and the Balkan region. Some of the most competitive and well-paying countries in European basketball are Bosman B countries including Russia, Turkey, Israel and Ukraine.
So which countries actually recognize Bosman B players in Europe?
While interesting to note, this would be a pointless list to make as European roster regulations are literally changing on a yearly basis.
Instead:
The more useful resource would be in understanding what countries are considered Bosman B since the likelihood of countries leaving and joining the EU (and by extension Bosman A status) is much less common.
As of 2021, here is the complete list of Bosman B countries.
|
BOSMAN B COUNTRIES |
|||
|
ALBANIA |
ARMENIA |
AZERBAIJAN |
BELARUS |
|
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA |
GEORGIA |
GIBRALTAR |
ISRAEL |
|
MOLDOVA |
MONTENEGRO |
NORTH MACEDONIA |
RUSSIA |
|
SAN MARINO |
SCOTLAND |
SERBIA |
SWITZERLAND |
|
TURKEY |
UKRAINE |
UNITED KINGDOM (ENG) |
WALES |
Something to consider:
There’s a reason why many of these Bosman B countries are on the outside of the European Union.
So please do your due diligence beforehand.
If you are only eligible for a passport coming from a dictator-state, are you willing to take on the potential risks that could come along with it?
Examples include:
Mandatory military service
Worldwide tax
Unable to renounce passport
Playing in a country with restricted(no?) freedom of speech on certain topics
That is a decision only YOU can make as an adult.
From a basketball standpoint, there is nothing to think about.
The Bosman B passport is a complete game-changer and will change your career (assuming you got GAME).
From a practical life perspective…it can get a little complicated sometimes.
If you’re still interested though, what’s my best piece of advice?
Connect with a European agent who specializes in Bosman passports (there are many).
It’s their job to know and their livelihood depends on it so they’ll be up to date on this type of info.
HOW DO I GET MY BOSMAN B PASSPORT?
As is the case with any passport worldwide, Bosman B passport types can be obtained primarily by exploring a bloodline (e.g. parents, grandparents are from a Bosman B country) or a geographic connection (i.e. you were born in that country).
If you fulfill your specific country’s requirements then you’ll be granted citizenship within that country - ensuring your Bosman B status in overseas basketball.
So remember:
There is no literal “Bosman B” passport that you apply for.
Bosman B is only a term that exists in professional sports circles.
So if you go to your embassy screaming,
“HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE BOSMAN B PASSPORT?!”
They’re going to look at you funny and then say go away.
Because they can’t help you.
Instead:
You must get a passport from one of the countries listed previously.
The requirements and regulations for each country will be different.
So there is no universal answer as to,
“How do I get the Bosman B passport?”
Russia’s requirements will be different from Serbia’s.
As will North Macedonia’s from Turkey’s and so forth.
It will depend on the country.
The absolute best way to get the most up-to-date information is to go directly in-person to the nearest embassy for your specific country.
If that’s not possible then try:
Google: [Country] + nationality law
Google the country’s official government website on nationality (email them)
Talk to those who have your desired passport (relatives, friends, group chat forums)
Phone your nearest embassy (tough to get someone on the line)
Plan an out-of-town trip to the closest embassy
I know someone who literally FLEW across the world (on his own dime) just to get his passport done.
The end result?
10+ career as a pro.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it: the Bosman B passport.
One of the most powerful assets to have in overseas basketball, increasing your chances of landing on a pro team in the European market.
Agents, pro basketball teams and managers are sure to take more notice of you in Europe if you are a Bosman B player rather than a traditional foreigner.
The only question is: Are you willing to put in the work?
Do you know anyone who has a Bosman B passport?
What country were they from and how did it impact their playing career?
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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