What Comes After League 1 in Basketball?

When you’re playing in League 1, you’re already past the amateur level. You’re getting paid, you’re training hard, and you’re competing against players who could go pro. But what’s next? Where does the road lead after League 1? It’s not just one path-it’s a branching network of leagues, opportunities, and real-world hurdles that most players never even see coming.

The Structure of Professional Basketball Leagues

Basketball doesn’t have one global ladder like soccer’s UEFA system. Instead, it’s a patchwork of national leagues, developmental circuits, and international competitions. In the U.S., League 1 usually refers to the NBA G League or a top-tier semi-pro league like the EBL or The Basketball League (TBL). Outside the U.S., countries like Spain, Turkey, and Lithuania run their own top divisions-Liga ACB, BSL, and LKL respectively.

After League 1, the next step depends on where you are. In North America, the NBA is the obvious peak. But only about 60 players get drafted each year. That means 99% of League 1 players won’t make it there directly. Instead, they move to second-tier pro leagues-either in the U.S. or overseas.

What Comes After League 1 in the U.S.

If you’re in the NBA G League, you’re already one step below the NBA. The G League is the official development league. Players here get scouted daily. Some get called up mid-season. Others get signed to two-way contracts-splitting time between the G League and NBA roster. That’s the most realistic path to the NBA for non-draft picks.

If you’re in a league like the TBL or the EBL, you’re not under NBA affiliation. But those leagues still serve as pipelines. Teams in those leagues often have connections with G League franchises. A standout player in the TBL might get invited to a G League tryout. That’s how players like Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham got noticed before being drafted.

There’s also the NBA Summer League. It’s not a league you join-it’s a showcase. Top performers from League 1 get invited to play against college prospects and international talent. A strong showing here can land you a training camp invite or a summer contract.

Playing Overseas: The Real Next Step

For most players who don’t make the NBA or G League, the next step is overseas. Countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America pay well and offer competitive basketball. Spain’s Liga ACB, Turkey’s BSL, and Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A are among the highest-paying leagues outside the NBA. Salaries range from $80,000 to over $1 million a year, depending on your role and experience.

But it’s not just about money. These leagues have different styles. European teams play more team-oriented, half-court basketball. In China, the CBA is fast-paced with high-scoring games. In Latin America, physical play dominates. You need to adapt quickly-or get cut.

Many players start in lower-tier European leagues like Germany’s BBL or France’s LNB Pro B. They use those as stepping stones. After a solid season, they move up to top divisions. Some even get noticed by NBA scouts during EuroLeague games.

The Role of Agents and Scouting

You can’t just email teams and hope for a call. You need representation. A good agent knows which leagues are hiring, who the coaches are, and when tryouts happen. They’ll send your highlight reel to teams in Serbia, Poland, or Japan. They’ll negotiate your contract and handle visa paperwork.

Scouts from overseas teams watch League 1 games closely. They’re not looking for the next LeBron. They want players who fit a system: a 6’5” guard who shoots 40% from three, a 6’10” center who blocks shots but doesn’t foul, a 6’2” point guard who runs the offense without turning the ball over.

If you’re not getting noticed, it’s not always about talent. It’s about exposure. You need a professional highlight video-under 3 minutes-with clear stats, game context, and clean footage. No phone recordings. No edited music. Just basketball.

Alternative Paths: 3x3, Summer Leagues, and International Play

Not everyone wants to play 5-on-5 professionally. 3x3 basketball is growing fast. FIBA runs the 3x3 World Tour, and players can qualify through national tournaments. The prize money is smaller, but the exposure is real. Olympic qualification is tied to 3x3 rankings, so top players get noticed by national federations.

Some players join national teams. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can try out for USA Basketball’s developmental squads. If you have dual citizenship, you might play for another country’s national team. That opens doors to FIBA competitions, which scouts from top European clubs attend.

Summer leagues like the Las Vegas Summer League or the Salt Lake City Summer League are open to undrafted players and international prospects. These aren’t leagues you sign up for-they’re invitations only. But if you’re in League 1 and you’re good, your agent can get you on the list.

What Most Players Don’t Realize

The biggest mistake? Thinking the next step is always better. A player might jump from a $50,000 League 1 contract to a $30,000 job in Poland because they think it’s a step up. But in Poland, they might play 40 minutes a game, live in a small town, and have no English-speaking support. It’s not progress-it’s a trade-off.

Success isn’t about the league name. It’s about playing time, development, and financial stability. Some players thrive in the second division of Germany. Others burn out in the CBA because the pressure is too high.

Also, injuries change everything. A torn ACL at 24 can end your pro career. That’s why many players now take nutritionists, mental coaches, and recovery specialists seriously-even if they’re not in the NBA.

How to Prepare for What Comes Next

Start planning before your League 1 season ends. Here’s what to do:

1. Get a professional highlight video made-include game stats, player tracking data if available, and clear camera angles.
2. Connect with at least two agents who specialize in international placements.
3. Research leagues: Look at salary ranges, visa requirements, and living costs in countries like Spain, Israel, or South Korea.
4. Improve your weaknesses: If you’re a shooter, work on shooting under pressure. If you’re a defender, learn how to guard pick-and-rolls.
5. Stay in shape during the off-season. Teams don’t wait. They sign players who show up ready.

There’s no guaranteed path. But if you’re smart, disciplined, and persistent, you’ll find a place where you can keep playing-and maybe even thrive.

Real Examples: Who Made It After League 1?

Devin Booker played in the NBA G League before being drafted 13th overall in 2015. He didn’t start in League 1-he was drafted out of college. But players like Jalen Suggs and Jalen Johnson took the G League route after being drafted. They used it to develop and got traded into NBA rotation roles.

Outside the U.S., players like Luka Dončić started in Spain’s ACB before being drafted. He wasn’t in League 1-he was in a top-tier European league. But his path shows that elite play outside the NBA can lead to the NBA.

Then there’s the story of a player from the TBL named Marcus Douthit. He played in the U.S. semi-pro circuit, then moved to the Philippines, where he became a national team star and helped them qualify for the FIBA World Cup. He didn’t make the NBA-but he made a career out of basketball.

There’s no single answer to what comes after League 1. But the options are wider than most think. You just have to know where to look.