Overseas X Weekly Report: The Financial Game Behind Overseas Hoops

February 20, 2025

Welcome to this week’s Overseas X Financial Report, where we break down the latest trends, budgets, and sponsorship deals shaping international basketball. If you're an overseas athlete, agent, brand, business or investor, these insights will keep you ahead of the game.

League Budgets: Who’s Spending Big?

Germany’s BBL: A Tale of Two Clubs

The German Bundesliga (BBL) finally released its club budgets, and the gap is massive.

• Alba Berlin tops the list with €14.7 million, proving once again why they’re a powerhouse.
• Syntainics MBC? Just €3.9 million, highlighting the financial imbalance within the league.
• FC Bayern Munich didn’t release official numbers, but insiders estimate their budget at €30 million, by far the richest club in Germany.

French LNB Pro B on the Rise

The second-tier LNB Pro B is seeing record-high budgets. The average club is now working with €3.5 million, driven by teams investing heavily to chase a promotion to Pro A. Expect this trend to continue.

Japan’s B.League Making a Big Play

Japan is no longer just an afterthought. The B.League is spending big, offering six-figure salaries to attract international stars. The league’s goal? Become the top basketball destination in Asia.

The Billion-Dollar Shift in Global Hoops

A New $5 Billion League? Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is making waves with a $5 billion basketball league spanning Asia and Europe.

• 12 teams (6 men’s, 6 women’s) spread across 8 global cities.
• Possible locations include Macau, Singapore, and Dubai.
• Goal: Challenge EuroLeague and China’s CBA for top international talent.

This could be the biggest shake-up in overseas basketball in decades.

Sponsorship & Business Moves

Visa Joins EuroLeague

• Visa just signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with EuroLeague Basketball, running through 2027.
• Perks? Expect VIP access, special fan offers, and upgraded arena experiences for Visa customers.

Emirates Partners with the NBA

• Emirates is now the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, using basketball to expand its reach worldwide.

Emerging Market Spotlight: Africa

Basketball Africa League (BAL) is gaining traction.

• Backed by the NBA & FIBA, BAL is attracting top brands like Nike, Air Jordan, and Hennessy.
• With teams from 12 African nations, the BAL is set to become the next big thing in international hoops.

What This Means for You

For Players: European clubs are spending more selectively. Japan and Saudi-backed leagues are rising as serious alternatives.

For Agents: Keep an eye on BAL and the new PIF-backed league. They could offer huge contracts for the right players.

For Investors: Basketball’s global expansion is accelerating. Sponsorships and new league formations present serious business opportunities.

For Businesses: Overseas basketball’s growth opens doors for sponsorship, investment, and expansion into new markets.

For Brands: Strategic partnerships with leagues and teams offer strong global exposure and engagement opportunities. The financial landscape of overseas basketball leagues is evolving rapidly. European leagues continue to enhance transparency and competitiveness, while Asian leagues, particularly Japan’s B.League, are making aggressive investments to attract talent.

Ambitious projects, such as the proposed $5 billion league spanning Asia and Europe, could significantly alter the international basketball ecosystem. Additionally, strategic sponsorships and partnerships indicate that basketball's global expansion will continue to provide lucrative opportunities for teams, players, and investors alike.

Stay ahead of the game, Overseas X

This is part of the weekly financial report we send to all Overseas X members, breaking down the latest insights on overseas basketball salaries, sponsorship trends, and market shifts. We’re spotlighting key financial moves so you can stay ahead in the business of international hoops. Want the full breakdown? Stay tuned for exclusive access to in-depth reports every week on Overseas X.