GREAT BRITAIN have been banned from international men’s basketball competitions amid chaos within the country’s governing body.
The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has also been suspended by global governing body Fiba.
British basketball has been in a state of flux since the demise of American investment firm 777 Partners, which led to the British Basketball League (BBL) collapsing at the end of the 2023-24 season.
In its place was the hastily formed Super League Basketball (SLB), which managed to operate last year with nine of the 10 teams from the former BBL.
Despite the relative success and stability provided by the SLB, BBF chiefs instead opted in April to hand a 15-year operating license to GBB League Ltd (GBBL) – an American-led consortium fronted by former EuroLeague adviser Marshall Glickman.
The nine professional clubs sensationally refused to leave the SLB, claiming that the process which led to the GBBL receiving the all-important licensing agreement was “illegal and unjust”.
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In August, Fiba stepped in to launch an investigation into British men’s basketball’s chaos, citing “regulatory non-compliance”.
Chair of the BBF Chris Grant resigned from his post last Sunday.
Barely 48 hours later, Fiba revealed the initial verdict of their investigation.
In a statement, they said that they decided to “temporarily suspend the British Basketball Federation’s authority to licence or recognise national men’s competitions and to field a men’s national team in FIBA Senior Competitions, pending resolution of the current governance issues.”
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While they also added that they will “engage directly with basketball stakeholders and the UK government to explore and propose an interim operational framework for the top-tier men’s national competitions.”
Super League Basketball began its second season last month.
While several British sides have entered European competitions, with the London Lions set to host Italian top flight side Trento in EuroCup at the Copper Box tonight.
Great Britain’s men’s team had been scheduled to host Lithuania in London on November 27, although the BBF have confirmed that this game will not go ahead.
Interim chair Grace Jacca said: “We understand the disappointment that players, staff and fans alike will be feeling.
“Our immediate priority is to continue working with our key stakeholders to maintain stability while contributing constructively to the process with Fiba.”
UK sports minister Stephanie Peacock said of the British basketball debacle: “While it is a relief that the GB women’s team is not included in this suspension, work must clearly be done to fix the domestic game and ensure our teams can continue to compete on the world stage.
“We will work closely with Fiba and other partners on the interim operational framework, using this as a moment to move forward as we start the process of addressing governance concerns and protecting the future of British basketball.”
Last month it was announced that £10million would be invested in recreational basketball in the UK by government and the NBA.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the time: “Basketball is booming in Britain – and this investment will help take it to the next level, opening up the game to thousands more people right across the country.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
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“This is about more than sport – it’s about community, inclusion and inspiring the next generation to find their spark.
“I’m proud that the UK is teaming up with one of the world’s most iconic sporting brands to deliver real change for our people and our communities.”
