SLB and BBF ease rhetoric after FIBA steps in

The tone of Britain’s professional basketball power struggle shifted today, with both Super League Basketball (SLB) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) signalling a willingness to engage in dialogue – a sharp contrast to months of acrimony.

It follows the recent intervention from world governing body FIBA, which created a dedicated Taskforce for “British Basketball Club Matters” after concluding the BBF was “not in a position to ensure full compliance” with its statutes regarding domestic leagues.

In his first public statement since being appointed independent chair of SLB, Sanjay Bhandari MBE acknowledged the ongoing legal dispute with the BBF but called for the “Do No Harm” principle to be observed while proceedings continue.

“Players, match officials, and fans must never be collateral damage in disputes,” Bhandari said, confirming that SLB has written to the BBF, the FIBA Taskforce, and other stakeholders with a proposed framework for dialogue.

He added that most disputes can be solved outside of court, and that SLB remained open to “good faith dialogue” aimed at reaching a sustainable resolution.

Meanwhile, BBF chair Chris Grant told City AM the federation is maintaining close contact with FIBA and is ready to recognise SLB providing certain conditions are met.

“The BBF wants the existing men’s professional clubs to play their full part in the game’s development and to reap the benefits,” Grant said.

“The first step is to bring their league into the game’s recognised structures. The BBF is ready to recognise SLB on the basis of what we consider to be reasonable terms and assurances.”

He described the arrival of new operators and the prospect of NBA Europe as a chance to “turbocharge the profile and success of British basketball.”

The comments mark a significant departure from the rhetoric of recent months.

In its legal filings, SLB has accused the BBF of unlawful conduct, anticompetitive behaviour, and granting an exclusive licence to GBB League Ltd without due process.

The BBF, in turn, has argued that SLB refused to participate in an open tender and has sought to preserve its own monopoly.

Whether by coincidence or the swift impact of FIBA’s intervention, both sides have suddenly stepped back from entrenched positions.

While litigation continues, their latest statements hint at a shared recognition of the need to protect the integrity of the season and avoid bringing the sport into further disrepute.

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