A Meritking sports news reflects on the play-in format and new rules for foreign players, introduced by the
Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF). According to TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu, the changes that will start in the forthcoming 2024-2025 season will enable Turkish basketball players to play longer in the Turkey Insurance Basketball Super League.

On that note, the Meritking sports news reported that the TBF President expressed optimism that the Basketbol Süper Ligi season from October 2024 to June 2025 will be more exciting in light of the changes. Türkoğlu spoke at the fixture draw at the Basketball Development Center to share his thoughts about the new TBF foreign player policy that was announced in May 2024.

Instead of the previously allowed five (5) non-Turkish players that BSL basketball teams use per game, the new rule will now allow teams to use 3 foreign players per game. Actually, before the 2018-2019 season, the Turkish BSL allowed teams to register up to 8 foreign players and field 6 of such players in a single basketball game. This was later amended for the 2018-2019 season to 10 and 5 respectively.

Now the latest foreign player numbers allowed in Turkish BSL starting the 2024-2025 season are 4 and 3. Apparently, Turkish BSL teams will be able to register only 7 foreign players and use only 3 per game. Türkoğlu is optimistic that these latest foreign player rules will improve the quality and visibility of the BSL games.

The TBF president said they decided on the 4 + 3
rule after consulting with the basketball clubs. They preferred to give Turkish players more playing time and opportunities on the court. Türkoğlu said

”We are looking to have successful periods for both the SBL clubs and the national team. Increasing the presence of Turkish players is necessary, especially in crucial moments and at the playoffs and final series. Doing so will enhance the quality and excitement of the league’s games.”

About the BSL’s Current Play-In Format

Basketball Super League (BSL) is the top division of Turkish basketball league system for the men’s professional basketball. The 2024-2025 play-in format is for the16 basketball teams that will compete in the Regular Season, in the Play-Offs and in the Final Series.

The teams that will land the top 8 positions upon completing the Regular Season will advance to the playoffs.

The team that finishes the Quarter Finals by winning the best of 3 games will advance to the Semi-Final games.

Thereafter the teams that win the best of five in the Semi-Finals will compete in the Final series.

The team that wins the best of 5 in the Final Series will become the season’s BSL Champion.