Basketball in Indonesia has undergone significant growth over the past decade, marked by both international achievements and rising domestic interest. A pivotal moment was the Indonesian men’s national team securing their first gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games. The Indonesian Basketball League (IBL), as the nation’s premier professional league, has played a crucial role in fostering basketball’s ecosystem. However, the welfare of professional athletes, particularly concerning wage violations by several clubs such as Bima Perkasa Jogja, West Bandits Solo, and NSH Mountain Gold Timika during the 2023 season, remains a pressing issue. This shows that the IBL wage policy have some holes in it. This study examines the wage policies and legal protections for IBL athletes under Law Number. 13 of 2003 about Manpower and also under the Implementing Regulations of IBL. The findings reveal that the contractual agreements between clubs and athletes are regulated by labour law and include minimum wage standards, allowances, performance bonuses, and other benefits. However, financial instability among clubs and weak regulatory oversight have led to delays and inconsistencies in wage payments. Such issues impact athlete motivation, league reputation, and public trust. Efforts to address these challenges include implementing mechanisms such as salary caps, deposit requirements, and sanctions for non-compliance. Despite these measures, the league faces obstacles in enforcement, transparency, and financial sustainability. Recommendations include enhancing financial audits, ensuring stricter compliance, and providing investor support to stabilize club operations. The study highlights the importance of fair and transparent wage management in safeguarding athletes' rights, fostering professionalism, and maintaining the league's credibility. IBL must be firm in implementing legal protections for athletes, especially in cases of wage delays. This can be achieved by imposing fines on clubs that fail to meet their payment obligations. In severe cases, the IBL should have the authority to revoke the club's license to operate. These measures would strengthen the league's professional integrity and ensure that athletes’ rights are respected. By improving wage management, transparency, and enforcing stricter sanctions, the IBL can protect athletes. Strengthened regulatory frameworks and proactive oversight are essential to securing the IBL’s long-term success as a professional basketball league in Indonesia.