In a united statement, most of the British Basketball League’s clubs essentially supported the British Basketball Federation’s earlier today decision to revoke the league licence.
With the exception of the London Lions, Plymouth City Patriots, and Manchester Giants, all of the non-conflicted clubs—those not supported by 777 Partners—released a united statement, with the London Lions adding theirs later.
The fundamental claim was 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.
Nevertheless, Caledonia, Bristol, and London modified theirs. Caledonia and Bristol removed the sentence stating that they accept the decision in good faith and added, “Our belief in British basketball remains steadfast and we continue to get ready for next season.” The BBL Club owners will now start working with the BBF to ensure that there is a top-tier men’s professional League operating from September 2024.
Although the Lions altered the wording from “accepted in good faith” to “reviewed in good faith,” and deleted the sentence “We understand the decision was not taken without serious consideration of what would be best for the future of the team,” the statement was originally posted on Instagram and Twitter and is still available on Facebook.
professional basketball in the United Kingdom.
The following states have statements available: Sheffield, Caledonia, Cheshire, Leicester, Newcastle, Surrey, and Bristol.
