{"body":"

A Spanish basketball club has filed a challenge to the NBA over rookie Aday Mara’s eligibility, arguing he remains bound by a contract with the club. ESPN reports that the club claims the player’s contract, signed before his selection, is still in force and therefore he should not be eligible to play in the league this season. The challenge was submitted on Tuesday, prompting the league to issue a notice to the parties.

Mara was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and subsequently signed with the team, but the Spanish club maintains that the international contract was not properly terminated. International players often must navigate complex transfer rules, and the NBA has strict guidelines about when a player can join a new team. Mara’s draft rights were acquired by the Thunder in the second round, and the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement outlines the conditions under which a player may be released.

If the NBA accepts the challenge, Mara could be barred from participating in the Thunder’s schedule, potentially delaying his professional debut and impacting both the club’s roster plans and his personal development. The case also raises questions about the enforcement of contracts between European clubs and NBA teams, and could prompt a review of current agreements and arbitration processes. Additionally, the Spanish club argues that the contract’s termination clause was never activated, citing the lack of a formal release letter.

The Thunder and the Spanish club have not yet released detailed statements beyond the initial filing, and the league’s