Basketball: FIBA ​​reaches agreement with SLB regarding domestic competitions in Great Britain

The Basketball Super League has reached an agreement with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to oversee the sport’s domestic competitions in Great Britain, lifting the ban on its men’s national team.

Last month, FIBA ​​suspended the British Basketball Federation (BBF) over governance issues, banning the men’s team from international competition.

A FIBA ​​taskforce was set up in August to investigate “regulatory non-compliance” within British basketball.

In April, the British Basketball Association granted a 15-year license to run a new professional men’s competition – the Great Britain Basketball League – to GBB League Ltd (GBBL).

The BBF said GBBL, a consortium led by US businessman Marshall Glickman, will provide £15 million in funding in the first two years.

However, the nine existing SLB clubs claimed that the tender process run by the governing body was “illegal and unfair” and refused to join the new league.

FIBA said in a statement that it has now entered into a “direct recognition agreement” with the Basketball Association “to ensure the stability and continuity of top-tier men’s basketball in Great Britain” during the period of the association’s suspension.

“This agreement provides a framework for organizing and managing local competitions while maintaining organizational integrity,” the statement said.

“FIBA, through the Task Force, will continue to work closely with the BBF and all relevant stakeholders, including UK Sport and the UK Government, to support the BBF in becoming a self-sustaining organization and to ensure the long-term stability and growth of men’s basketball in Great Britain.”

FIFA’s decision means lifting the ban imposed on the British men’s team’s participation in the international arena.

SLB interim independent president Sanjay Bhandari said it was a “difficult period for the sport” but he was pleased to have reached “a solution that gives our clubs the confidence they deserve”.

“The recognition by FIFA is transformative and means that our plans to move SLB forward as an ambitious, high-growth sporting organization can advance at a rapid pace,” he said.

“We look forward with enthusiasm as we work closely with FIBA, British Sport and the UK Government to ensure the sport achieves the success it deserves across the board.”