CONTRACT TYPES

A guide to the player designations used in the NBL contract tracker. Each type reflects a player's eligibility category under NBL rules.

Player Designations

Local

Any player who holds a passport from Australia and/or New Zealand. Local players do not count against a team's import limit.

Import

Any player who is not from Australia or New Zealand. Teams are permitted a limited number of import roster spots each season.

Next Star

A younger player signed to a professional contract designed to develop their game in preparation for the NBA draft. The team holds a professional option over future seasons.

SRP

Special Restricted Player. An overseas player from one of the designated NBL partner countries: China, Philippines, Taiwan, India, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan.

DEV

Development Player. An Australian or New Zealand player under the age of 25 who has never previously been contracted by an NBL club. Development players are typically on reduced salaries and are subject to special roster rules.

Contract Options

Team / Player / Mutual Options

When a player signs a multiyear contract, stipulations can be added to additional seasons that give either the team, the player, or both parties control over whether the contract continues into future years.

Team Option — the club decides whether to exercise the contract for the following season, giving them roster flexibility.
Player Option — the player decides whether to continue under the existing terms or enter free agency.
Mutual Option — both the club and the player must agree for the contract to continue into the option year.
Free Agency (FA / UFA / RFA)

When a player's contract expires or an option is not exercised, they enter free agency. UFA (Unrestricted Free Agent) means any team can sign them. RFA (Restricted Free Agent) means their current club has the right to match any outside offer.