Now, with rumours swirling that more imports could be on the way out, it\u2019s worth asking: how can the NBL create a system that encourages stability \u2013 where imports want to stay, and teams are rewarded for keeping them?<\/p>\n
Watch live coverage of NBL 2025-26 season with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n The goal is simple: the NBL wants to maintain its reputation as a global \u201claunchpad\u201d league while balancing that with a sense of continuity. <\/p>\n Constant turnover hurts fan loyalty, disrupts team chemistry, and weakens the league\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Here are some measures that should be considered:<\/p>\n NBL TRADE WINDOW \/ PERIOD<\/p>\n Often, when a player \u2013 import or local \u2013 isn\u2019t the right fit, teams realise it early in the season. While it\u2019s rare that another club picks that player up, there\u2019s historical precedent for it.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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 \u2013 while keeping talent within the league.<\/p>\n Jaquori McLaughlin left the Illawarra Hawks last week.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n IMPORT PLUS MODEL<\/p>\n The Import Plus Model is designed to reward both players and teams for long-term commitment. <\/p>\n Each club could designate one import per season as a \u201cretention-eligible\u201d player, receiving a salary cap discount the longer that player remains with the team.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n This structure benefits everyone involved \u2013 clubs can afford to pay and retain their top talent, while players gain long-term security and loyalty rewards.<\/p>\n Instead of seeing imports as one-year rentals, the NBL could turn them into multi-year cornerstones \u2013 something that strengthens both the on-court product and fan connection.<\/p>\n READ MORE NBL<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/content.foxsports.com.au\/fs\/electrode\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
Brisbane\u2019s Javon Freeman-Liberty is among the imports to have left the NBL so far this season.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n