FIBA: NBA Stars Can Play Overseas

Basketball’s governing body said Friday it will clear NBA players under contract to play in its leagues during the lockout, as long as they return once the lockout is over.

In a ruling that paves the way for players to earn a paycheck on the court, FIBA agreed with NBA and players’ association officials that players are free to sign anywhere, but do so at their own risk of injury.

“As the world governing body for basketball, we strongly hope that the labor dispute will be resolved as soon as possible, and that the NBA season is able to begin as scheduled,” secretary general Patrick Baumann said in a statement.

“In view of our role to promote basketball worldwide, we support any player wishing to play the game, wherever and whenever. We do so while obviously taking the interests, rights and obligations of all parties into account.”