BBF grants licence to GBBL amid legal dispute
The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has filed its Defence in the High Court in response to proceedings brought by Super League Basketball (SLB) and has submitted a Counterclaim alleging that SLB has acted in an anti-competitive manner.
The Federation has also confirmed that it has awarded the long-term licence to operate the top-tier men’s basketball league in Great Britain to GBB League Ltd (GBBL), following a competitive tender launched in November 2024.
SLB, an entity formed by clubs that previously co-owned the British Basketball League (BBL), had been granted an interim licence by the BBF in July 2024 to ensure the continuation of the professional league after the BBL’s operations ceased due to financial difficulties.
The interim licence was intended to last for up to three years but included an express clause allowing the BBF to terminate it after one year, to facilitate a transition to a long-term operator via an open process.
SLB initially expressed interest in participating in the tender but later withdrew and began allegedly began campaign of opposition. The BBF has stated that SLB’s actions have included misleading communications with stakeholders and attempts to disrupt the development of a regulated, competitive league structure.
According to the BBF, it awarded the long-term licence to GBBL following a transparent process. GBBL has been selected based on a proposal that includes credible investment and a development strategy for the growth of the sport in Great Britain. The BBF has said it has acted in line with its role as the national governing body recognised by FIBA and that it has negotiated in good faith with both current clubs and the new licensee.
It has also stated that SLB’s refusal to participate in the tender or accept regulatory oversight has presented risks to the governance of professional basketball in the UK.
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