- Taskforce had been set up by Fiba to investigate ‘apparent governance issues and regulatory non-compliance’
- Fiba says decision will ‘ensure the stability and continuity of the top-tier men’s basketball in Great Britain’ during period of BBF’s suspension
Super League Basketball (SLB) has reached an agreement with the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) to oversee the sport’s domestic competitions in the UK.
Basketball’s global governing body suspended the British Basketball Federation (BBF) in October over governance issues, meaning the organisation was stripped of its authority to licence or recognise national men’s competitions and to field a men’s national team in Fiba senior competitions.
The decision came after Fiba established a taskforce in August to investigate and address the issues within British basketball club men’s competitions.
The dramatic move, which followed a prolonged period of turmoil in the British men’s game, meant it was the first suspension of a national basketball federation by Fiba since Russia and Belarus in 2022
In Aprilthe BBF agreed a 15-year deal with GBB League Ltd (GBBL) that allowed the American group, led by Marshall Glickman, to run the men’s professional league from the start of the 2026/27 season.
However, existing SLB clubs took legal action against the federation in June over the process to sell the future operation of the men’s professional league.
SLB accused the BBF of breaching UK competition law, abusing its dominant position, and breaching its duties as a sports governing body to act rationally, fairly and lawfully.
SLB also claimed it was shut out of discussions and accused the league’s next operators of having “no clubs, fans, arenas or expertise”as well as calling the tender process undertaken by the BBF “illegal and unjust”.
The BBF has denied claims that it has acted improperly, but the legal dispute prompted Fiba to step in and seek a resolution.
Now, Fiba has said it has entered “into a direct recognition agreement” with SLB to “ensure the stability and continuity of top-tier men’s basketball in Great Britain during this period of suspension”.
“This agreement provides a framework for the organisation and governance of domestic competitions while preserving regulatory integrity,” Fiba added.
“Fiba, through its task force, will continue to work closely with BBF and all relevant stakeholders, including UK Sport and the UK Government, to support BBF in becoming a self-sustaining organisation and to secure the long-term stability and growth of men’s basketball in Great Britain.”
Fiba’s decision means a ban on Britain’s men’s basketball team competing on the international stage has been lifted.
SLB interim chair Sanjay Bhandari said: “We have been working quietly and diligently to secure a sustainable and positive pathway for top-flight basketball in the UK. We extend our thanks to the leaders of Fiba’s task force for their cooperation and continued support throughout this process.
“Together, we have reached a solution that gives our clubs the confidence they deserve and provides our fans with peace of mind after a challenging period for the sport.”
He continued: “Fiba’s recognition is transformative and means that our plans to drive SLB forward as an ambitious, high-growth sports organisation can progress at pace.
“We look ahead with excitement as we work closely with Fiba, UK Sport, and the UK Government to ensure the sport achieves the success it deserves across all areas.”
The 2025/26 SLB season tipped off as scheduled in September. Plans to launch a revamped league have been delayed until 2027 amid resistance from SLB clubs to sign up to GBBL’s project.
Elsewhere in British basketball, defending SLB champions the London Lions have completed the first phase of a feasibility study into a new, custom-built multi-purpose arena in the English capital.
The team announced plans for a feasibility study in July. The study confirmed both the viability and demand for a new large-scale arena in London with a capacity of at least 15,000 seats, suitable for basketball and other multi-purpose events, alongside a secondary 3,500-seat community arena.
The main arena would host approximately 40 basketball games each year, including London Lions fixtures and major international events, alongside more than 100 sports and cultural performances.
The community arena would become home to the London Lions women’s team, a training facility and a dedicated hub for grassroots basketball.
The Lions will now work with experiential services specialist Legends on the second stage of feasibility, including exploring detailed site options, planning and delivery strategies, and engaging partners across London to identify where the arena can best serve both sport and local communities.
The next phase will also examine funding approaches and delivery models to ensure long-term sustainability.
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