Published by the firm Winter – Dávila & Associés
Paris, February 2, 2026
The Basketball Arbitral Tribunal (BAT) has released its new BAT Arbitration Rules, effective 1 January 2026. While the overall framework remains familiar to clubs, players, agents and lawyers, the 2026 edition introduces several practical updates aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs , and clarifying procedural matters.
KEY UPDATES IN THE 2026 BAT RULES
- Updated Arbitration Clauses
The rules now explicitly confirm that communications sent to the e-mail address formally provided by a party, are considered validly received. This seemingly small detail carries important procedural consequences, reinforcing certainty in electronic exchanges and potentially reducing disputes over service of documents.
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- Digital Filing Platform on sight
BAT has announced their plan to launch a digital platform for the submission of requests for arbitration. The necessary amendments have been incorporated in the BAT Rules. This does not only facilitate submissions but may also enhance transparency and record-keeping, leading to a smoother case management for all parties involved.
- Changes in the advance of costs payment
The rules introduce stricter measures for parties that fail to pay their share of the Advance of Costs. Non-payment may now trigger additional financial sanctions, compensating the party that covers the advance of costs in their entirety. In order to support the parties that pay the totality of the advance of costs.
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- Awards Without Reasons in Undisputed Claims
BAT may issue an award without reasoning, allowing faster resolution and lower costs for the claimants, even if the amount of the claim exceeds EUR 50,000.
- Expanded Payment Order Procedure (POP)
The POP has been broadened to cover:
– Claims against individuals, including players, agents and coaches,
– Amounts up to €25,000,
– Clearer rules for claims in foreign currencies.
This expansion strengthens the BAT toolkit for quick enforcement of smaller, individual claims, reducing procedural difficulties and encouraging parties to settle disputes efficiently.
LEGAL TAKEAWAYS
The changes implemented through the 2026 BAT Rules reflect a clear trend toward efficiency, cost control and procedural clarity.
– E-mail addresses are considered as formal means of communication for BAT proceedings;
– The introduction of a digital arbitration platform – similar to CAS’s portal – is on sight.
– BAT acknowledges the need to financially support winning parties that carry the burden of covering the totality of the advance of costs.
– POP has proven to be extremely useful and a success, leading its application to be broadened.
– In view of the several claims that remain undisputed, BAT decided to fasten the proceedings and reduce the costs even in claims exceeding the amount of EUR 50,000, by the issuance of a decision without reasons even in such cases.
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Understanding these changes is essential for clubs, players and lawyers to navigate disputes effectively in the evolving landscape of basketball arbitration.
For the full rules and marked-up changes, you can visit https://about.fiba.basketball/en/services/basketball-arbitral-tribunal/bat-process.
LEGAL NOTICE: This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for legal advice directed to particular circumstances. You should not take or refrain from taking any legal action based on the information contained without first seeking professional, individualized advice based on your own circumstances. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.
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