This competition is on the edge, for sure.
In basketball, the term “mercenary” usually describes players, teams, or eras focused on short-term stints and financial gain. For example, a school might sign a player with the understanding that his dad will become the team’s assistant coach.
Plenty of other examples exist at home. But what about other organizations/leagues outside of the United States?
Photo courtesy of “The Last Shot” (2017)
In Mexico, the mercenary refers to the underground, high-stakes world of local cash prizes—tournaments around Mexico where American and Mexican players compete for quick money rather than a professional contract.
The players are usually great players whose careers have stalled, or players trying to hang on to their passion for the game. The payouts range from 30,000 pesos ($1700 U.S.) to 150,000 pesos ($8400 U.S.) for major events.
These tournaments carry high risk. These are underground tournaments, and they often operate in remote areas or cartel-controlled regions. Players and teams face severe safety and security risks, along with the physical toll of injuries.
It’s risking it all for the payday and the hope of returning to America to play professional basketball.
You can take a deep dive into this subject by viewing the 2017 documentary “The Last Shot.” It follows American rookies, veteran mercenaries, and local Mexican players risking it all for money.
