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AAP
AAP
Jasper Bruce

Pay rise for NBL players as salary cap increased

NBL players are in for a pay rise, but Jo Lual-Acuil (left) will explore his options overseas. (Linda Higginson/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's basketballers are set for a pay rise after the NBL increased its salary cap by seven per cent ahead of the free agency period.

The salary cap will sit at $1,947,662.58 for the 2024/25 season, up $244,423 on the 2022/23 campaign.

The league's 10 teams will be required to spend at least $1,752,913.85 on their 11-player rosters, with the minimum wage set at $74,540.23.

That minimum salary will increase to almost $80,000 in the 2025/26 season.

It comes as the NBL player market prepares to go into overdrive when free agency opens on April 15.

Melbourne United centre Jo Lual-Acuil has informed last season's runners-up he would not be taking up his own option for the 2024/25 campaign.

"Melbourne United will always be a special place for me," Lual-Acuil said as he declined his player option on Tuesday.

"At this time, however, it's the best decision at this point in my career for me to explore my options overseas."

The loss of the NBL's premier big man looms as a blow for United, especially as Next Star and back-up centre Ariel Hukporti appears a good chance to nominate for the NBA draft in July. 

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