French basketball players move to US universities

French basketball players are increasingly leaving for American universities, attracted by financial opportunities linked to the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy. This trend has grown significantly since the 2024-2025 season, with many young talents choosing the NCAA over staying in France.

FFBB and LNB support players’ departures

The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) and the Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB) have shifted from trying to stop players from leaving to supporting them. They now aim to manage the movement and maintain connections with players who have gone to the US.

French institutions track players in NCAA

The FFBB has assigned two staff members to monitor French players in the NCAA, while the LNB has created a liaison office to support French clubs and explore ways to be compensated for training investments. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to manage the growing number of players moving to the US.

NCAA attracts many French players

The LNB reported 71 French players in the NCAA men’s first division for the 2025-2026 season. BeBasket identified nearly 100 players for the 2026-2027 season, including both men and women, with a significant number already in the women’s Division I league.

French clubs face financial challenges

Some French players, including Narcisse Ngoy and Brice Dessert, have chosen the NCAA path even after playing professionally. French clubs, however, face difficulties as they invest in training but may not get compensation when players leave for American universities.

NCAA poses economic competition

The NCAA has become a major economic competitor for European clubs, as American universities offer financial incentives through NIL that are hard to match. French institutions now recognize that it is not always feasible to retain young players and are working to build relationships with the NCAA.

FFBB creates monitoring group

The FFBB has formed a monitoring group led by François Peronnet and Arnaud Guppillotte to track French players in the NCAA, assess their potential for national teams, and maintain direct communication with players and their universities. The Federation also created a map of expatriates and identified priority profiles for national team selection.

LNB aims for structured cooperation

The LNB wants to become a recognized point of contact for American university basketball, using Jérémy Meynard and Emian Wheeler as liaisons. The League plans to assist at key stages of players’ journeys, including verifying eligibility rules and facilitating communication, without becoming a recruitment agency.

LNB promotes partnership with NCAA

The LNB organized a meeting during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, bringing together NCAA representatives, coaches, and agents. Discussions focused on cooperation, the economic impact of NIL, and sustainable player movement. Jonathan Givony praised the LNB's proactive approach.

LNB seeks financial compensation

The LNB is exploring ways to get financial compensation for French clubs, possibly through contractual clauses. It prefers universities to cover the costs rather than players, but challenges remain due to differences in contract rules and the NCAA’s independence from FIBA.

French institutions work with FIBA

Coordination with FIBA and between French institutions is ongoing. A meeting is planned at FIBA headquarters to examine the impact of the NCAA on European clubs. The FFBB is also working with FIBA on NIL, eligibility, and the follow-up of international players.

FFBB and LNB strategies complement each other

The FFBB and LNB have complementary roles, with the Federation focusing on supporting players and national team selections, while the LNB works to secure better paths for players and create a balanced economic model. Although results are not yet visible, the shift in approach is clear, with French institutions now seeking to build structured relationships with American university basketball.