Asian market guide 亞洲市場指南

Know the market
before you sign.

Compare leagues, foreign-player roles and estimated pay across six Asian markets.

🇨🇳 中國🇹🇼 臺灣🇯🇵 日本🇮🇩 印尼🇹🇭 泰國🇵🇭 菲律賓
All salary figuresUSD · gross · per playing monthPlanning estimates; offers will vary

How to read these figures 真實版本

A salary range is
not a contract.

Most foreign-player salaries in Asia are private. A reported monthly figure may leave out tax, housing, flights, bonuses and agent fees.

Use these ranges to plan questions, not to judge a specific offer. We have not published an independently verified set of contracts. The official links explain league structures and rules; they do not verify the salary estimates.

01
中國CN

CBA · Chinese NBL

China

A demanding market for experienced players.

CBA clubs look for proven foreign players who can take on a big role straight away. The Chinese NBL has a shorter season, but teams still expect professional experience and strong performances.

Indicative salary estimate
CBA import$20k–$100k+ / month
Chinese NBL import$5k–$25k / month

Top CBA players and former NBA names can earn more. Check the current registration rules and the club’s payment arrangements before accepting an offer.

02
臺灣TW

TPBL · P. LEAGUE+ · SBL · UBA

Taiwan

Options for students and professional players.

Taiwan has professional clubs and university basketball. When comparing teams, look at the role, coaching and how you would adjust to life there.

Indicative salary estimate
TPBL / P. LEAGUE+$8k–$25k / month
SBL$1.5k–$5k / month
UBA scholarshipStudy support, not a salary

Some professional contracts are higher. University support is agreed with each school and may cover tuition, housing, meals or a living allowance.

03
日本JP

B.PREMIER · B.ONE · B.NEXT

Japan

Long seasons and clearly defined roles.

From 2026–27, B.LEAGUE uses B.PREMIER, B.ONE and B.NEXT. Foreign players need to be ready for a long season and understand what the team expects from their role.

Indicative salary estimate
B.PREMIER import$12k–$30k+ / month
B.ONE import$6k–$15k / month
B.NEXT / lower tier$3k–$8k / month

Housing, transport and bonuses affect what an offer is worth. Players with established EuroLeague, NBA or national-team careers may earn much more.

04
印尼ID

IBL Indonesia

Indonesia

Check the foreign-player rules before you apply.

For 2026, IBL clubs can register three foreign players. Two of those places have height restrictions, so the team needs to check where you fit.

Indicative salary estimate
IBL import$4k–$10k / month

IBL’s 2026 foreign-player spending threshold is $30,000 per team per month. Teams that exceed it face progressive penalties. This figure is a team spending threshold, not one player’s salary or a hard cap.

05
泰國TH

TBL · regional tournaments

Thailand

Shorter contracts need a close look at the terms.

Thailand can offer a first professional opportunity or a shorter contract between seasons. Ask what the team needs from you and when you would have to arrive.

Indicative salary estimate
TBL import$2k–$8k / month

Some short deals pay more, but compare the full contract: how many months it lasts, what housing is included and when you get paid.

06
菲律賓PH

PBA · MPBL · regional leagues

Philippines

A busy basketball scene with different competitions.

PBA recruits foreign players for particular conferences. Other competitions have their own eligibility rules, budgets and contract conditions; check whether foreign players can take part before approaching a team.

Indicative salary estimate
PBA import$10k–$20k / month
Regional competitions$1k–$5k / month

Reported top PBA deals may reach $30k–$40k per month; we have not independently verified them. Check the conference, height restrictions, contract length and eligibility with the team.

New Basketball in China

07 / Short-term games

Exhibition games.
Short tournaments.

Wild
Ball.

A different kind of basketball work in China.

In China, Wild Ball, also known as yěqiú, covers privately organised exhibition games and short tournaments. Teams may bring in local and foreign professionals for a single event or a run of games.

01Paid by the game

An agreement may cover one game, a weekend or several appearances. Ask exactly which games and dates it includes.

02Different venues

Games take place in city gyms, outdoor courts and local communities.

03A role to deliver

Teams expect foreign players to contribute immediately. Ask about the level, format and role before agreeing.

University basketball in Taiwan 臺灣大學籃球

UBA Division I
& Division II.

Ask university teams which UBA division and registration category would apply to you as an international player.

Study support is arranged with each university and team. Ask for your own written offer rather than assuming there is one standard scholarship package.

01Tuition

Ask whether tuition is fully or partly covered, and which fees remain.

02Housing

Confirm the room, dates and any costs for dormitory or other housing.

03Daily support

Check whether meals, training costs or a monthly allowance are included.

04Your studies

Confirm admission, course language and the grades and attendance needed to stay eligible.

A place in the team does not automatically include a full scholarship. Confirm admission, playing eligibility and financial support separately, in writing, before travelling.

Rules and estimates

Check the source.
Confirm the offer.

Official sources checked on . Salary estimates remain unverified planning bands. Registration categories and rules must be confirmed for the season and competition you will join.

Compare university and professional basketball in Taiwan ↗

Basketball in Asia

What would you like to know?

Browse all guides ↗
Start here

Basketball in Asia: where to start

A guide to playing, studying, coaching and following basketball in Asia. Start with your goal, then get to know the leagues and teams.

Read the guide ↗Professional players

Playing professional basketball in Asia

How to prepare your film and CV, research clubs and compare a professional basketball offer in Asia.

Read the guide ↗Students & families

Studying and playing basketball in Asia

Compare university teams, admission, scholarships and costs before deciding where to study and play in Asia.

Read the guide ↗Japan · Market guide

Basketball in Japan: playing, leagues and study

Get to know Japan’s B.LEAGUE and the questions to ask about professional clubs, university teams and scholarships.

Read the guide ↗Southeast Asia · Market guide

Basketball in Southeast Asia: what to compare

Explore the Philippines, Indonesia and regional club events, with practical questions for anyone considering a team in Southeast Asia.

Read the guide ↗Coaches

Coaching basketball in Asia

Prepare for a coaching role in Asia: your portfolio, the job, staff communication and the conditions to discuss.

Read the guide ↗

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Meet the founders ↗