GENEVA (AP) — Basketball’s governing body says it will clear NBA players under contract to play in its leagues during the lockout, as long as they return once it’s over.
FIBA agrees that players are free to sign anywhere but do so at their own risk of injury.
Secretary general Patrick Baumann says in a statement Friday that FIBA supports “any player wishing to play the game, wherever and whenever. We do so while obviously taking the interests, rights and obligations of all parties into account.”
Playing overseas has emerged as an option for NBA players during a work stoppage that threatens to last months. Nets All-Star Deron Williams has a deal with Turkish club Besiktas — which is also courting Kobe Bryant — and others say they will consider playing.
