The library
The business of basketball, one question at a time
Every article answers one question a player or family actually searches, with the rule, the number and the source. Four lanes: college and NIL, the NBA, the WNBA, and the international game under FIBA. Written by McKinley Malbrough III, J.D., MS-HRM, certified WNBA player agent and former certified NBA agent. New to the vocabulary? Start with the glossary.
College and NIL
How does revenue sharing work for college basketball players?
Schools that opted in to the House settlement can pay athletes directly, up to about $21.58 million per school for the 2026-27 academic year, across every sport they…
September 26, 2026Do college athletes pay taxes on NIL money?
Yes. NIL income is taxable whether or not a tax form ever arrives. Most NIL pay is self-employment income, so an athlete owes federal income tax plus 15.3%…
NBA
How much do NBA rookies make in 2026-27?
First-round picks are paid on the rookie scale, which is tied to the 2026-27 salary cap of $164,961,000. The No. 1 pick's four-year deal is worth more than $65 million,…
September 26, 2026What is a two-way contract in the NBA?
A two-way contract lets a player split the season between an NBA team and its G League affiliate. In 2026-27 it pays $678,882, half the rookie minimum, and the player can…
WNBA
How much do WNBA players make under the new CBA?
Under the collective bargaining agreement ratified in March 2026, the minimum WNBA salary is $270,000 to $300,000 depending on years of service, the maximum is $1.4…
September 26, 2026How much does a WNBA rookie make in 2026?
The No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft earns $500,000 in her first season, and about $2.2 million over a four-year rookie deal. Every first-round pick earns at least…
International and FIBA
What is a FIBA letter of clearance?
A letter of clearance is a certificate from FIBA confirming a player is free to transfer internationally and that a new national federation may license her or him to…
September 26, 2026How do overseas basketball contracts work?
Most overseas contracts pay a monthly salary for the season, and many are written as net, meaning the club covers local income tax. Housing, a car and flights home are…