OPINION

The NBL26 season is already heating up and shaping as one of the most entertaining campaigns in recent memory. With star power, big names, and a high level of competitiveness league, there’s plenty to celebrate but one lingering issue remains a concern — import turnover.

Already this season six imports have signed and subsequently left their teams. Some found better opportunities overseas and backed out of their deals, others simply weren’t the right fit and were released, and a few faced unique circumstances that forced early exits before the first tip-off.

Now, with rumours swirling that more imports could be on the way out, it’s worth asking: how can the NBL create a system that encourages stability – where imports want to stay, and teams are rewarded for keeping them?

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Brisbane’s Javon Freeman-Liberty is among the imports to have left the NBL so far this season.Source: Getty Images

The goal is simple: the NBL wants to maintain its reputation as a global “launchpad” league while balancing that with a sense of continuity.

Constant turnover hurts fan loyalty, disrupts team chemistry, and weakens the league’s storytelling power. By increasing the retention of top-level imports, the league could foster stronger rivalries, deeper narratives, tighter team cultures, and more identifiable stars.

Here are some measures that should be considered:

NBL TRADE WINDOW / PERIOD

Often, when a player – import or local – isn’t the right fit, teams realise it early in the season. While it’s rare that another club picks that player up, there’s historical precedent for it.

Introducing a trade window or period could give players and teams a structured opportunity to find better fits within the league. Players could be traded for other imports or locals, similar to systems used in the NBA or Puerto Rico.

It’s an ambitious concept, but one that could allow players to remain in the NBL ecosystem rather than immediately looking elsewhere. It promotes flexibility, fairness, and player movement – while keeping talent within the league.

Jaquori McLaughlin left the Illawarra Hawks last week.Source: Getty Images

IMPORT PLUS MODEL

The Import Plus Model is designed to reward both players and teams for long-term commitment.

Each club could designate one import per season as a “retention-eligible” player, receiving a salary cap discount the longer that player remains with the team.

For example, a 10 per cent reduction in cap hit for the first three years, or 5 per cent per season up to five years.

This structure benefits everyone involved – clubs can afford to pay and retain their top talent, while players gain long-term security and loyalty rewards.

Instead of seeing imports as one-year rentals, the NBL could turn them into multi-year cornerstones – something that strengthens both the on-court product and fan connection.

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THE IMPORT LEGACY PATH

The Import Legacy Path focuses on supporting and rewarding long-term imports even beyond their playing days. Many athletes face uncertainty once their careers end – transitioning from contracts to careers is no easy feat.

Under this program, multi-year imports could receive support through:

* Media training and career development for those wanting to move into commentary, analysis, or broadcasting.

* Ambassador roles for corporate or league sponsors post-retirement.

* Access to funding or sponsorship opportunities as recognition for their long-term service to the league.

By investing in their futures, the NBL can build lifelong ambassadors who remain connected to the league, its fans, and its values – while setting a new standard for player welfare.

OFF-SEASON OVERSEAS PLAY PARTNERSHIPS

One of the most practical and innovative ideas is the creation of off-season overseas play partnerships.

The concept is simple: the NBL could partner with leagues around the world – such as Japan’s B.League, Puerto Rico’s BSN, or select European competitions – to allow imports to play overseas during the NBL offseason while still remaining under NBL contract.

This “loan” system, modelled on international football, lets a player temporarily join an overseas team for 3-4 months. That club pays the player’s salary during the loan, and once the stint ends, the player returns to the NBL for the upcoming season.

The benefits are enormous:

* Players gain financial stability and year-round competition without chasing short-term deals elsewhere.

* Clubs retain player rights and continuity while their talent stays sharp.

* The league keeps its top-tier players connected to the NBL brand, even when they’re competing internationally.

This concept isn’t far-fetched – we’ve already seen elements of it emerge. The partnership between the NBL’s Sydney Kings and Japan’s Chiba Jets is a perfect example. Their collaboration covers training, commercial, and talent development opportunities, and several players who’ve worn the Kings jersey have also suited up for the Jets. With both clubs publicly backing the initiative, it’s a strong signal of what’s possible when international cooperation meets long-term vision.

And that blueprint is starting to spread. We’re now seeing NBL teams like the Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers playing preseason games against Japan-based squads, further strengthening those global ties. These partnerships don’t just promote the league abroad – they give players the freedom to explore new experiences while maintaining the security of having a home base in Australia.

It’s a win-win model that balances freedom and stability – two things every professional athlete values.

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While not every signing will work out – some players simply aren’t the right fit – these types of initiatives could help stop the ongoing talent drain of elite imports like Javon Freeman-Liberty, Omari Moore, or Vrenz Bleijenbergh.

Stability breeds storylines. Rivalries deepen when rosters stay familiar. Fans connect more when stars stick around. And ultimately, that’s how the NBL takes its next step – not just as a launchpad league, but as a destination league.

The solutions are there – it’s just a matter of how bold the league wants to be in making them reality.