866-996-3888 Shop
Locations
Register Now

Don't Miss Out

Sign up & we'll send you The Ultimate Guide to Club Basketball ebook for free plus weekly news and educational resources!

Name(Required)

HOW TO BECOME AN OVERSEAS PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER

Young basketball player boards plane to pursue overseas career with international landmarks in the background

Young basketball player boards plane to pursue overseas career with international landmarks in the background

How to Play Professional Basketball Overseas After College: 5 Key Steps

For many college basketball players, the final buzzer of their NCAA career doesn’t mean the dream is over—it simply shifts course. When the NBA or G-League isn’t an immediate reality, playing basketball overseas becomes a real, viable, and exciting opportunity.

But how do you get started?

If you’ve never been outside the country, don’t know anyone who has played internationally, or feel overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone. Trying to land a pro basketball contract overseas can feel like swimming in open water—no clear direction and limited time.

But with the right strategy, mindset, and hustle, you can begin navigating this journey the smart way. Below are five actionable tips that will help you move forward in your overseas basketball journey.

1. Make a Great Basketball Highlight Video

A professional-quality highlight reel is one of the most important tools for any player hoping to play basketball overseas.

What to include in your highlight video:

  • Focus on quality over quantity—3 to 4 minutes max.

  • Lead with your best plays against top-level opponents (big-name programs or top-tier games).

  • Segment clips by skill: shooting, defense, passing, athleticism.

  • Avoid flashy music—coaches care about your game, not your taste in hip hop.

  • Attach a full (or half) game film at the end—unedited.

Ask your team’s video coordinator or manager for help gathering and organizing your game film. Tools like iMovie or Adobe Premiere can help, or you can hire a video editing service—but make sure you’re clear on what you want.

highlight

2. Find a Basketball Agent

Having a trustworthy agent can open doors that are otherwise shut. Start by asking former teammates, coaches, or friends in basketball if they know agents they trust.

If you haven’t been approached by one yet, that’s okay. Not every agent recruits from mid- to low-major D1s or D2s. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Tips for finding a basketball agent:

  • Network with former teammates and alumni.

  • Research online—but be cautious of scams.

  • Ask your coaches if they have any international contacts.

  • Look out for our upcoming Free Webinar on Playing Basketball Overseas, where we dive deeper into how to find and work with agents.

3. Build Your Overseas Basketball Network

Your next opportunity might come from your own connections—or a connection of a connection.

Ask yourself:

  • Does my college or high school have alumni playing professionally overseas?

  • Do I know anyone who has played in Europe, Asia, Australia, or Latin America?

  • Are there any pickup games in your area where overseas pros train in the offseason?

Pro Networking Tips:

  • Be respectful, not desperate.

  • Reach out on LinkedIn or Instagram.

  • Offer value: ask intelligent questions, share your highlight film, and keep it short.

  • Get into gyms where overseas pros train—compete, learn, and build relationships.

4. Set Realistic Expectations

Overseas basketball isn’t always glamorous.

While some players do make six-figure salaries, many start with $1,000–$2,500/month contracts in small towns, with long bus rides, sparse crowds, and modest living conditions.

Understanding this reality will prepare you mentally and emotionally for the grind.

Where you start is not where you finish.
Players like Brad Oleson (D2 Alaska Fairbanks → Spanish 3rd division → FC Barcelona) show that paying your dues can pay off.

Oleson, el obrero con alma de líder

Use sites like Eurobasket.com to research leagues, teams, and the types of players who succeed in each one. This helps you align your goals with your current skill level and school pedigree.

5. Take Initiative: Get Overseas on Your Own

Don’t wait to be discovered. Sometimes, the best way to get on a team’s radar is to physically be there.

Options to get started:

  • Join a legit overseas touring team that plays exhibition games in front of pro scouts.

  • Attend reputable overseas basketball academies or camps.

  • Buy a one-way flight, crash on a friend’s couch, and grind at open gyms in that country (risky but sometimes effective).

⚠️ Warning: Be extremely cautious about who you send money to. There are plenty of scams targeting hopeful athletes. Always do your research, talk to current or former players, and trust your gut.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into overseas professional basketball is tough—but it’s not impossible.

You’ll need to hustle, network relentlessly, invest in yourself, and keep your expectations grounded in reality. Most importantly, stay hungry and be willing to work your way up.

This journey isn’t just about basketball—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and personal growth.

Ready to take the next step in your child’s basketball journey?
Pro Skills Basketball offers Club Teams, Camps, Clinics, and Academies in 25+ cities across the U.S.
👉 Find your city and sign up today to join a program focused on real development, experienced coaches, and a culture that puts players first.

📩 Contact us at admin@proskillsbasketball.com
📞 Call us at 866-996-3888

Category: Tag: , , , , , , , , ,