Nachbar: Now players know what % of salaries they will receive and under which conditions

ELPA managing director Bostjan Nachbar spoke with the Sportando the day after the agreement reached by the players’ association and EuroLeague.

How do you judge the agreement reached with EuroLeague on players salaries pay cuts?

This has not been an easy negotiation. While we understand the financial difficulties of the clubs during this challenging time, we were determined to achieve a fair agreement, that would appropriately compensate the players. With this agreement we have avoided many issues that players would face if they would be trying to reach a settlement on an individual basis. Now players will know exactly what % of their salaries they will receive and under which conditions.

It was not too late to negotiate an agreement? A lot of teams have already reached agreement with their players.

Not at all. Quite the opposite. We were happy when we saw players achieved an agreement with the club and these few weeks have allowed that to happen. What we were aiming for is to reach a league-wide agreement on minimum obligations and guarantees. For many players this was extremely important, because they had no agreement or no communication with their club on this topic after March 12th. On the other hand, those players that have achieved a more favorable agreement with their club prior to this one, will remain subject to that agreement. We believe that is fair and reasonable.

What will happen if a player does’t accept the automatic contract extension till July 31st? Some complained on the social media saying that did not agree on anything. And they said how it is possible to have the contracts extended for one month but still with 15% less?

Players will be presented a contract addendum. A player who does not accept an amendment or annex of his contract on the terms agreed between ELPA and EuroLeague, will have to find an individual amicable solution with his club. However, according to the recently published BAT Covid-19 Guidelines, a reduction of players’ salaries is more or less aligned with ELPA and EuroLeague agreement. I am sure as players will get better informed, they will understand the reasons for such agreed %.

What if a player decides not to return? Can teams go to Bat?

It depends on the circumstances of the specific case. We want to make sure players understand that they will still have a contractual obligation to provide their services to the club once competition resumes, including training and playing games. Of course, players’ health and safety and potential travel restrictions will have to be taken into account.

If the season resumes and a player takes Covid-19, can they sue EuroLeague?

I do not want to speculate on this. Of course, Euroleague and clubs have a duty of care towards their employees, including the players. They have to observe all applicable guidelines by health authorities and local governments and do everything in their power to ensure that competition can be resumed under the highest health and safety standards, whether that is this season or the next. ELPA will be monitoring Euroleague and clubs when they will be defining the necessary concept for competition to resume.

How can EuroLeague guarantee 100% of players, coaches and people involved safety?

This should be a question for EuroLeague, but in my opinion it cannot be the aim to “guarantee 100 % safety" for all parties involved, because that would be extremely difficult, not just in June and July, but possibly long-term as well. The continuation of the season will be possible only if EuroLeague will able to miminize the risk for the people involved to the lowest extent possible by following all applicable health and safety standards and protocols. Other important sports leagues will face same difficulties and will work on solutions on how to continue with their professional leagues. EuroLeague will definitely have to follow those examples. If such necessary measures will not be in place in time, or if overall situation with the virus will not allow it, then the season should not resume.

Do you think EuroLeague and EuroCup resume?

Any prediction at this time can be proven as false within weeks or even days. I understand how important is the ending to this season from financial standpoint of the league, clubs and in connection to that – the players, but player health is our primary concern. 

How EuroLeague and EuroCup can resume next season? There are talks that games will be played behind closed doors at least till 2021 or a new vaccine?

Without any doubt many adjustments will have to be made across European basketball, if we will see next season starting with such restrictions. It is still too early to know what specific adjustments that would be, because it all depends on the evolving COVID-19 situation.

If teams can’t earn from ticketing, the most important incoming will be from tv rights. Do you think there will be an increase of money that TV will spend?

Again, we live in such unexpected and unpredictable times, that it is very hard to know how sports world will adjust to this crisis. I am generally an optimistic person and I believe many new ways of promoting sports will be "invented" and brought to the forefront in order to keep the sport of basketball (and other sports) viable and visible.

If the season resumes and end late in July. What ELPA will ask about players rest? 40 days of rest must be guaranteed. You will ask national leagues to postpone training camps?

As you might know, we have introduced same starting date for all EuroLeague teams already for the beginning of this current season. Also, we have already started initial conversations to push back training camp starting dates for next season. We will make sure players get proper rest in the summer, as much as current situation allows.

Do you think Euroleague and EuroCup will resume in October?

My hope is that we will see next season as close to normal as possible. Even though players are our primary concern, basketball is also about other people who work in sports industry and they heavily depend on the healthy competition. Same goes for fans, who I am sure can’t wait to return to arenas, once this challenging time passes.