Zaragoza supports rights over Aday Mara before the NBA

Basket Zaragoza has taken a clear stance regarding the contractual situation of Aday Mara. Through an official statement, the Aragonese club reaffirms that the player has a valid contract with the organization until the end of the 2026/2027 season and emphasizes that, to date, it has not received any requests for international transfer. This statement represents a firm positioning of the Maño team against any attempts to loan the player.

The club's official position before international bodies

The statement from Basket Zaragoza emphasizes that the processing and resolution of any international transfer corresponds exclusively to bodies such as the FEB, FIBA, and the NBA. The club has formally communicated its opposition to granting a transfer should one be requested, arguing that Aday Mara has a valid contract. This position was conveyed to the North American receiving body, as well as to the NBA and the Oklahoma City Thunder after the draft held in June 2026, and has been reiterated to the competent authorities, making it a point known to all parties involved in the negotiation.

The clarity in this communication reflects the club's intention to protect its interests and ensure compliance with the established contractual agreements. Basket Zaragoza has made it clear that this stance is not new; rather, it is part of a consistent communication strategy that has been in place for several months.

The legal and regulatory status of the player

A relevant aspect of this matter is the regulatory distinction between the FIBA system and the NCAA. According to the statement, FIBA regulations do not require an international transfer for a player to compete in the NCAA, an organization that does not recognize this type of documentation. When Aday Mara joined UCLA in 2023, Basket Zaragoza did not condition his departure on the granting of a transfer but chose to defend its rights in court. This decision was strategic and allowed the player to continue his sports development at the American university without extinguishing his contract with the Aragonese club.

Aday Mara's status within the FIBA system remains intact despite his time in the NCAA. Basket Zaragoza underscores that the player's move to the North American college competition did not extinguish the contractual bond nor take him out of reach of international basketball bodies. This legal interpretation is crucial for understanding the club's stance regarding any future movement of the player.

Defense of rights and contractual obligations

The club has stated that, as an entity, it has the obligation to safeguard its rights and ensure compliance with the active contracts. Basket Zaragoza reserves the right to take necessary legal action to defend its interests and ensure that the terms of the agreement established with Aday Mara are respected. This declaration indicates that the team will not hesitate to resort to judicial instances if necessary to maintain its contractual position.

Sporting aspirations and the player's future

Despite the firmness in defending its rights, Basket Zaragoza has expressed its desire for Aday Mara to have the best possible trajectory in his new sporting challenges. The club acknowledges the player's potential and offers its support in the development of his career, regardless of where he competes. This attitude reflects a balanced vision between protecting corporate interests and the athlete's well-being.

Furthermore, the club maintains its commitment to continue developing players in its academy. Basket Zaragoza reaffirms its commitment to the development of young talent and its role as a breeding ground for basketball professionals. This institutional philosophy is part of the identity of the Aragonese team and highlights its importance in the Spanish sports ecosystem.

The official statement from Basket Zaragoza marks a turning point in the negotiations surrounding Aday Mara. By publicly reaffirming its contractual position and its willingness to legally defend its rights, the club sends a clear message to all international bodies and any team interested in the player. The situation reflects the complexities of modern basketball, where players can navigate between different competitive systems while maintaining contractual ties with their originating clubs.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zaragoza respalda derechos sobre Aday Mara ante la NBA