Highest Paid Filipino Imports Filipino Imports with the Highest Salary in the Korean Basketball League

PBA Updates PH
7 min readSep 9, 2023

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In recent years, the Korean Basketball League (KBL) has seen a large infusion of players from the Philippines. Filipino players have made their mark in this premier competition, demonstrating their abilities and adding to Asian basketball’s worldwide appeal. This article delves into the pay of these Filipino immigrants, highlighting their astounding incomes and influence on Korean basketball.

Highest Paid Filipino Imports

Rhenz Abando

Highest Paid Filipino Imports Rhenz Abando

Rhenz Abando, a tremendous talent from the University of Santo Tomas and Colegio de San Juan de Letran, has engraved his name as the best earner among Filipino imports in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). His ascension to this famous division reflects his extraordinary abilities and devotion to the game.

Abando’s KBL career began when he signed a two-year contract with Anyang KGC, one of the league’s most famous clubs. This contract, at an incredible 237,000,000 (roughly P9,786,911.55), propelled him to the league’s pay standings. To break it down further, Abando’s monthly earnings total almost P1,090,000 throughout a nine-month season. Such a large salary emphasizes his critical significance to the club.

It’s worth noting that getting Abando’s services necessitated extensive financial manipulation by Anyang KGC. This demonstrates the strong demand for his basketball skills and the critical role he plays in the team’s success. Abando’s abilities and accomplishments are unrivaled as the Most Valuable Player of NCAA Season 97, making him the most profitable investment for Anyang KGC.

Gutang, Justin

Justin Gutang, a Saint Benilde College product, has made news in the KBL with his lucrative one-year contract with Changwon LG. His deal, at 213,000,000 (P8,795,836.04), put him among the league’s highest earners. The significance of his contract demonstrates Changwon LG’s appreciation of his talent and potential.

Gutang’s KBL odyssey, however, took an unexpected turn when he was allocated to the league’s developing division. This move demonstrates Changwon LG’s dedication to developing his skills and giving him additional experience before significantly impacting the leading team. Despite this detour, Gutang’s considerable wages indicate Changwon LG’s great hopes for his future achievements.

Alvano, Ethan

Ethan Alvano, a Cal State San Marcos product, made a spectacular move to the KBL after signing a one-year contract with Wonju DB. His contract, for P200,000,000, equates to a fantastic P8,258,997.44 every season. Alvano’s admission to the league demonstrates his skill set and ability to make a considerable effect.

His wages demonstrate his value to Wonju DB and the league’s dedication to recognizing talent. Alvano’s skills on the court are undeniably noteworthy, and his wages reflect his importance to his squad.

Abarrientos, RJ

RJ Abarrientos has made KBL history by signing a three-year contract extension with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis. Abarrientos is scheduled to earn 193,000,000 (P7,969,932.53) in the first year of this historic agreement. While the specifics of his wage rise in the following years are unknown, his early earnings are undoubtedly impressive.

This record-breaking deal demonstrates Abarrientos’ potential and Ulsan Hyundai Mobis’ confidence in his talents. As he begins on this adventure, the KBL and basketball fans worldwide are looking forward to his contributions and the influence he will have on the floor.

David, Christian

Christian David, a former Butler University player, received a fantastic opportunity in the KBL. Seoul Samsung assigned him the critical responsibility of replacing William Navarro’s shoes, awarding him a one-year contract of 140,000,000. David’s selection in the league demonstrates his potential and Seoul Samsung’s belief in his ability.

David, like Gutang, is expected to play in the KBL D-League as part of his development. This action demonstrates the league’s dedication to developing young players and enabling them to grow. David’s earnings show the value he contributes to Seoul Samsung and his potential as a rising star in the KBL.

Belangel, SJ

SJ Belangel made history by being the first Filipino to join the KBL. The first year of his two-year deal with Daegu KOGAS is worth 132,000,000 (P5,451,243.97). Surprisingly, Belangel’s contract includes terms that allow him to move his family to South Korea, emphasizing the deal’s singularity.

Belangel’s path demonstrates his abilities and the league’s dedication to diversity and inclusion. While not the highest among his Filipino rivals, his wages reflect the acknowledgment of his talent and the potential he carries as a pioneering figure in the KBL.

While our primary focus has been on Filipino imports, it is critical to recognize the KBL’s more extensive Asian participation. Moriguchi Hisashi of Goyang Carrot in Japan signed a one-year deal of 60,000,000 (roughly 6,241,008). His addition diversifies the league and demonstrates the KBL’s dedication to promoting regional talent.

Moriguchi’s KBL career shows the league’s worldwide appeal and friendliness to players from many backgrounds. His addition boosts the league’s competitiveness and develops a sense of solidarity among Asian basketball fans.

Aside from Salary

In the realm of professional sports, remuneration goes beyond monetary reward. KBL players benefit from various perks that add to their happiness and contentment. These benefits include incentives, housing, and at least two round-trip tickets every season.

Including these advantages in player contracts demonstrates the KBL’s commitment to providing its athletes with a comprehensive package. The league’s dedication to player care and development extends beyond wages to establishing an atmosphere where athletes may thrive.

It’s important to highlight that agent fees are not taken from the players’ pay, improving their financial stability and ensuring they get their contracts’ total value.

Scenario of Asian Quota Players

While most KBL clubs have accepted Asian quota players, three teams stand out: Seoul SK, Jeonju KCC, and Suwon KT. Only the Sonicboom has yet to complete its quota. On the other hand, KT is aggressively pursuing a UAAP guard, with aspirations to finish their squad by December.

This situation demonstrates the league’s competitive mentality and teams’ attentiveness in scouting and recruiting talent. Fans may expect dramatic developments in the KBL’s player lineups as clubs strive to achieve their quota requirements.

Finally, the presence of Filipino imports in the Korean Basketball League is not only a testimonial to their abilities but also contributes significantly to the league’s worldwide appeal. The high salary paid by players such as Rhenz Abando, Justin Gutang, Ethan Alvano, RJ Abarrientos, Christian David, and SJ Belangel demonstrates their value to their clubs.

Furthermore, the KBL’s focus on player welfare, extensive benefit packages, and the inclusion of varied talents, such as Moriguchi Hisashi, demonstrate the league’s commitment to developing talent and encouraging harmony in Asian basketball.

Filipino players have firmly established themselves as significant contributors in a competition that continues to draw foreign talent, setting a high standard for the next generation of athletes. The KBL continues to be a thriving platform for displaying basketball prowess, and the Filipino presence adds a distinct and thrilling flavor to this dynamic league.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How are salaries for Filipino imports in the KBL determined?

Salaries for Filipino imports in the KBL are usually negotiated between the players, their representatives, and the individual KBL teams. The ultimate contract worth will depend on the player’s experience, skill set, market demand, and the organization’s financial capability.

2. Do KBL players receive any benefits in addition to their salaries?

KBL players receive various privileges, including bonuses, hotel, and at least two round-trip tickets every season. These extra benefits contribute to the players’ general well-being and enjoyment.

3. Are agent fees taken from KBL players’ salaries?

No, agency fees are not taken from KBL players’ pay. Players are paid the total contract amount, while agent fees are often negotiated separately between the players and their agents.

4. How necessary is the Asian Quota Player in the KBL?

The Asian Quota Player is an integral part of the KBL squad. The league requires each team to have several Asian quota players on their roster. This participation in the company fosters diversity and regional representation, contributing to its worldwide appeal.

5. Can international players from nations other than the Philippines and Japan participate in the KBL?

Yes, international players from other nations are welcome in the KBL. While Filipino and Japanese players have made considerable breakthroughs, the league remains open to global talent. The presence of varied players increases the league’s competitiveness and allows individuals from all backgrounds to display their abilities worldwide.

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