THE British Basketball Federation (BBF) has entered liquidation amid the sport’s UK civil war.
Chair of the BBF Chris Grant resigned from his post last month, just days before Great Britain were sensationally banned by world governing body FIBA.
A BBF statement issued on Friday began: “The British Basketball Federation Ltd (BBF Ltd) today announces that it has ceased to trade due to a significant and unanticipated reduction in income and unforeseen expenditure resulting in the company’s inability to meet its liabilities as they fall due.
“With the support of professional advisors (Begbies Traynor), BBF Ltd is taking the necessary steps to place the company into Liquidation.
“The immediate priority for all domestic basketball stakeholders is to work closely with the sport’s international governing body, FIBA, to ensure the ongoing stability and security of the Great Britain national teams, including delivering on our participation commitment to upcoming FIBA competitions.”
In April, the BBF controversially awarded a 15-year license to the Great British Basketball League (GBBL), led by US businessman Marshall Glickman, to run the UK’s professional domestic league.
However, Britain’s nine pro clubs refused to leave the existing Super League Basketball (SLB), which was formed in 2024 following the demise of the 777-led former British Basketball League.
They came together to call the licensing decision “illegal and unjust” – backing the SLB in its subsequent legal battle with the BBF.
According to The Yorkshire Post, the BBF’s finances were significantly hit by the legal war.
Last week FIBA reached an agreement with the SLB, thus lifting the ban on Great Britain’s men’s national team.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
Team GB are scheduled to host Lithuania at London’s Copper Box Arena on November 27, in a fixture that it is still hoped will go ahead.
A Home Countries statement read: “Clearly, this is a challenging time for our sport, but we, Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales, reaffirm our commitment to collaborate under the future GB framework, alongside other stakeholders, to maintain Great Britain’s participation in upcoming FIBA competitions.”
While the FIBA Taskforce added: “In these challenging times, FIBA stands alongside the British Basketball Federation (BBF), UK Government, and UK Sport, and remains dedicated to supporting BBF to restore its operations and secure its position as the basketball governing body in Great Britain.
“To this extent, it is essential to ensure Great Britain’s optimal performance on the international stage, showcasing the very best of British basketball through its national teams.”
The GBBL is so far refusing to give up on its 15-year licensing agreement with the doomed BBF.
A statement given to the Yorkshire Post read: “Following the news that the British Basketball Federation has entered into administration, GBBL is working with its legal counsel to evaluate its options pertaining to the status of its 15-year licence to run a British professional basketball league from 2027.
“In accordance with the terms of the licence, significant sums of money have been paid to the BBF and this is of grave concern to GBBL.”
The BBF’s statement in full
The British Basketball Federation Ltd (BBF Ltd) today announces that it has ceased to trade due to a significant and unanticipated reduction in income and unforeseen expenditure resulting in the company’s inability to meet its liabilities as they fall due. With the support of professional advisors (Begbies Traynor), BBF Ltd is taking the necessary steps to place the company into Liquidation.
The immediate priority for all domestic basketball stakeholders is to work closely with the sport’s international governing body, FIBA, to ensure the ongoing stability and security of the Great Britain national teams, including delivering on our participation commitment to upcoming FIBA competitions.
The BBF appreciates the ongoing commitment of the UK Government, UK Sport and FIBA to rebuilding a strong and sustainable governing structure for the sport in Great Britain. The British Basketball Federation, as the recognised FIBA member for Great Britain, will continue to work towards compliance with international commitments, together with the Home Nations, who remain as integral stakeholders within the British basketball structure.
The British Basketball Federation would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all staff and players, both past and present, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless service to the federation and the Great Britain national team programmes.
