News

Less than ten hours before the beginning of a players’ strike in Spain’s professional basketball league, the Asociacion Baloncestistas Profesionales (ABP) players’ union and representatives of the Spanish basketball club association (ACB) reached a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement. While some details are still pending, the parties have agreed on the players’ key demands regarding a minimum wage increase and an expansion of the salary guarantee fund (“fondo especial de garantia salarial”). The social fund (“fondo social”), a critical item in the negotiations, will also be retained.

“It’s a great result for the players and the game of basketball in Spain”, said Alfonso Reyes, President of the ABP.

“I’m very proud of our members who have demonstrated great unity and vision throughout this process. They were determined to fight for their collective voice to be heard and their protections to be maintained. In their name, I also thank the Spanish basketball fans for their support and understanding.”

Negotiations broke down two weeks ago over the ACB’s refusal to maintain its current contribution to the “fondo social”, which provides the financial basis for the player support services delivered by the union. As a result, the players decided to boycott the Spanish Cup tournament scheduled for this weekend.

The World Players Association congratulates the ABP, the players and their leaders for this achievement.

“These negotiations once again highlight the critical importance of collective bargaining in professional sport to give players an equal say on matters that concern them most”, said Johannes Herber, Head of Player Relations of the World Players Association.

“The unity and determination of the ABP members provides a great example for the community of basketball players in Europe. Their battle to save the ‘fondo social’ demonstrated their dedication to collectivism and building opportunities for the players that will follow.”