Will FIBA’s regulation of agents’ fees really help protect basketball clubs & players from undue influence?

FIBA’s recent amendments to its Internal Regulations, which came into force on 5 December 2024,^[1] have once again reshaped the framework governing the relationship between players, agents, and clubs. These amendments removed the exception that previously allowed third parties to pay FIBA-licensed agents on behalf of their clients. While this change applies broadly, its primary impact is on prohibiting clubs from covering agent fees on behalf of players, reinforcing financial responsibility and eliminating conflicts of interest in basketball’s transfer market.

These amendments reflect the latest step in FIBA’s ongoing efforts to regulate agent practices, following its 2022 reforms that introduced stricter rules on conflicts of interest and agent remuneration.

Given the potential impact of these changes on all stakeholders, this article examines the evolution of FIBA’s regulatory stance, the intentions behind the latest amendments, and their practical implications for players, agents, and clubs.

• The evolution of FIBA’s regulations on agent-client relationships
• Recent changes
• Enforcement challenges and possible negative effects
  • A questionable departure from general practices
  • Risk of inflation of players’ salaries
  • The risk of covert agreements and undetectable violations
• Conclusion: a step forward or a regulatory illusion?