Getting Paid Overseas: Protecting Yourself from Late Payments and Bad Deals

Playing overseas is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world… but it comes with an unwelcome bonus game called “Will I Actually Get Paid?” Spoiler alert: it’s not fun. Not even a little. At least, not for the player. The owners absolutely love it! Every year, athletes deal with late payments, contract loopholes, and straight-up non-payment from teams that suddenly disappear when it’s time to cut the check.

It’s one of the ugliest realities of international basketball.

The Harsh Reality: Teams Dragging Their Feet on Payments

This happens more than players want to admit. Teams fall behind on payments, push back deadlines, or conveniently “forget” they owe you money. Some teams use tactics like:

• Paying you late and daring you to do something about it.
• Claiming financial issues and making you wait months for your paycheck.
• Straight-up not paying at all and forcing players into a legal mess just to get what they’re owed.

If you’re not prepared, you could be stuck playing for free.

The New FIBA Rule: What Happens if You Have to Pay Your Agent?

Starting July 2025, FIBA’s new rule means you’ll be responsible for paying your agent directly instead of teams covering the fee. This shifts even more financial risk onto players.

Here’s the problem:

• If a team stops paying you, you still owe your agent.
• Instead of the team handling agent payments before you even touch your money, you now have another bill to cover while waiting for a paycheck that may never come.
• Your agent might be less motivated to fight for your money, especiall if they already got theirs. (More on picking the right agent in the future.)

This change makes financial literacy and contract protection more important than ever.

How Can You Protect Yourself (Even When You Have No Leverage)?

I don't want to sound mean, but most overseas athletes are not in a position to negotiate. If you push too hard, teams will just move on to the next guy. Overseas basketball is a conveyor belt, and unless you’re a top-tier import, you’re replaceable in the eyes of the team.

So, if you can’t demand payment guarantees or upfront money, what can you actually do to protect yourself?

Get Everything in Writing (Even If It’s Not in the Contract)

Your contract might be bare-bones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a paper trail.

• If a team promises you anything verbally, follow up with a text or email:"Just confirming that salary is paid on the 1st of each month, right?""If payment is late, I can sit out until it’s resolved, correct?"
• This creates proof if you ever need to take legal action later.

Track Payments & Call It Out Early

• The moment a payment is late, even by a day...start pushing.
• Don’t assume it’s a mistake. Call the GM, message your agent, and make noise.
• If you wait, teams will assume you’re okay with delays.

Protect Your Release Paperwork

• If a team owes you money and releases you, make sure your release paperwork clearly states: The exact amount owed and deadline for payment
• This is critical if you need to take action later.

Know When to Walk (And Make It Hurt for Them)

• If a team stops paying, don’t be afraid to sit out...as long as you have leverage (i.e., they actually need you).
• If you’re playing well and they still don’t pay, threaten to leave and get FIBA involved.
• Even if you can’t afford to walk, making noise forces them to deal with the problem.

Get Connected to People Who Can Actually Help

• Teammates, former players, and community groups (like what we’re building) can warn you about bad teams and help you find solutions.
• We’re creating a network with international lawyers who can take on cases when teams refuse to pay.

How the Overseas X Community Can Help

At Overseas X we’re building solutions.

This shift is coming in April 2025. If you’re an overseas athlete, it’s time to get ready now because the game is changing, and if you’re not prepared, you’ll be the one paying the price.

Want to make sure you don’t get burned?

Stay locked in. More details coming soon.

As always, Cheers,

Kevin Owens

Overseas Famous