BBL clubs release statement following BBF revoking license

By Sam Neter on June 14, 2024

The majority of the British Basketball League’s franchises have released a joint statement, effectively in support of the British Basketball Federation’s decision to terminate the league license earlier today.

All the non-conflicted clubs – that is, those who are not funded by 777 Partners (everyone except London Lions, Plymouth City Patriots and Manchester Giants) – released a joint statement, with London Lions adding theirs later.

The basic statement read as follows:

Following the announcement by the British Basketball Federation, the governing body of Basketball League Ltd (BBL), to terminate the current operational professional league licence, we have taken the decision to issue the following statement.

In what has been a very challenging period in recent times, the decision to act by the BBF has been accepted in good faith by the incumbent club members of the British Basketball League, including [franchise name].

We understand the decision was not taken without serious consideration of what would be best for the future of professional basketball across the UK.

Furthermore, the BBL Club owners will now begin the task of co-operating with the BBF to ensure there is a topflight men’s professional League operating from September 2024 and to assist British Basketball and its stakeholders in the rebuilding and strengthening of the position for our sport.

The British Basketball League has made a significant impact in the growth of the game in profile, participation, development pathways, performance and especially in new purpose built Arenas and it is our intention to continue these contributions in partnership with the governing body.

Further information will be made available in the near future, meanwhile all existing clubs will continue with their summer preparations for the new season.

However, both Caledonia, Bristol and London made amendments to theirs, with Caledonia and Bristol, removing the section that they accept the decision in good faith, and that “the BBL Club owners will now begin the task of co-operating with the BBF to ensure there is a topflight men’s professional League operating from September 2024…”, adding “Our belief in British basketball remains steadfast and we continue to get ready for next season…”

While the Lions posted a statement on both Instagram and Twitter before removing it, though it remains on Facebook, having changed the wording from ‘accepted in good faith’ to ‘reviewed in good faith, and removed “We understand the decision was not taken without serious consideration of what would be best for the future of professional basketball across the UK”.

You can find the statements here: Bristol, Caledonia, Cheshire, Leicester, Newcastle, Surrey, Sheffield.

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