Experience in basketball disputes

Antanas Paulauskas is recognised counsel for arbitration before the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal and one of the leading experts in this field. He has represented players, clubs and agents in dozens of cases, bringing an understanding of the financial, contractual and sporting considerations that matter to each side.

Antanas Paulauskas is an attorney-at-law and arbitrator based in Vilnius, Lithuania. He holds a Master of Laws from Vilnius University, completed ISDE’s Global Master in International Sports Law and graduated from the UEFA Football Law Programme. The practice advises international clients in English.

We advise and represent players, coaches, agents and clubs on the legal issues of professional basketball. Antanas Paulauskas is a recognised counsel for arbitration before the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal.

How we can assist

  • Contracts and representationDrafting, reviewing and negotiating player, coach and agent agreements, including remuneration, bonuses, guarantees, image rights and exit provisions.
  • Contractual disputesClaims and defence concerning unpaid salaries, bonuses, agent fees, breach of contract and early termination.
  • Arbitration and settlementCase assessment, settlement negotiations and representation before the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal, from the initial claim or response through to the award.
  • Award complianceAdvice on payment, settlement and enforcement options, including applicable FIBA procedures where an award is not honoured.

A clear approach to your matter

The Basketball Arbitral Tribunal is an independent arbitration body recognised by FIBA for disputes involving players, agents, coaches and clubs. We assess the agreement, arbitration clause, parties and available evidence before recommending how to pursue or defend a claim.

We start by identifying the parties, reviewing the relevant contracts or decisions and clarifying the outcome sought. From there, we assess the available options, evidence and deadlines, and agree the scope of advice or representation. Where a matter involves national-law issues, local counsel may be involved when needed.

Basketball Arbitral Tribunal — official information

Assessing a BAT claim

BAT jurisdiction depends on a written arbitration agreement covering the dispute. We review that clause alongside the contract, payment schedule, correspondence and supporting evidence, and assess the procedure and costs before filing.

The Payment Order Procedure is a separate route with its own agreement and eligibility requirements. A standard BAT clause should not be assumed to include it. Ordinary proceedings are generally conducted in writing; under the current rules, the arbitrator may decide to hold a hearing after consulting the parties.

BAT Arbitration Rules, effective 1 January 2026

Unpaid basketball salary: when can a player bring a BAT claim?

Discuss your matter

For an initial review, tell us who is involved, what happened, what you want to achieve and whether there is a deadline. Provide only the information needed to understand the matter; extensive confidential or sensitive files can be discussed after an initial assessment and conflict check.

Submitting an enquiry does not establish a lawyer-client relationship. We confirm any engagement and its terms separately.

Antanas Paulauskas, attorney-at-law
Gynėjų g. 16, LT-01109 Vilnius, Lithuania
info@claimsinsport.com

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