BBFA Fan Pulse – June 2025

In a month dominated by off-court controversy – legal threats, governance breakdowns, and the rejection of a team’s chance to compete in Europe – fans across British basketball delivered a resounding verdict: the game is being failed by those in charge.

Through the BBFA Fan Pulse, over 120 fans from across the UK made their voices heard. What they told us wasn’t just frustration. It was anger. It was anxiety. But above all, it was a passionate call for change.

See the full results here

:

Fans rated the state of British basketball just 1.95 out of 5. That score doesn’t reflect the quality of the sport on court – it reflects how fans feel about how it’s being run.

They described the sport as chaotic, directionless, and politically toxic. Many no longer trust the organisations tasked with building the game. Others worry that the damage being done behind the scenes is turning fans away, potentially for good.

“It’s so hard to get people into the sport when everything outside the game is such a mess.”

And yet, the people responding to this Pulse are still here. Still watching. Still hoping for something better.

The BBF’s refusal to endorse Manchester’s BCL application was the biggest flashpoint of the month – and fans were nearly unanimous in their disapproval.

Nearly 90% of respondents said Manchester should have been allowed to represent the UK in Europe. For most, this wasn’t about club loyalty. It was about pride – or more specifically, the embarrassment of a governing body actively blocking international progress.

“Even if the league structures aren’t perfect, denying a team the chance to represent Britain on the European stage is a disgrace.”

While fans aren’t universally comfortable with legal proceedings, the SLB’s decision to take the BBF to court was largely seen as a justified response to an impossible situation.

Supporters made it clear: they don’t relish conflict – but they can’t accept silence and stonewalling either. Most described the legal action as a last resort – not ideal, but necessary in light of the BBF’s refusal to engage constructively.

This Pulse gives the BBFA a clear mandate to speak on behalf of fans. From the data and statements shared, we can now say – without hesitation:

Whether they support Manchester or not, fans saw the refusal to endorse their entry into Europe as a self-inflicted wound for British basketball. It damaged trust, embarrassed the sport internationally, and contradicted the goal of growing the game.

Fans repeatedly described the governance of the sport as secretive, political, and out of touch with the basketball community. Trust in the BBF and GBBL is extremely low, with many calling for greater accountability, clearer justification of decisions, and direct communication with stakeholders – including fans.

They see the BBFA not as a bystander, but as a critical voice for fairness, transparency, and representation. This Pulse shows fans do not want silence from their association – they want public, principled responses to key moments in the sport.

The era of closed-door decisions is over. Fans are asking for a seat at the table – not just to be heard, but to help shape a stronger, more united future for the game.

We invited fans to leave anonymous messages at the end of the survey. Many used this space to express frustration, but also hope. Here’s a small selection of what was said:

“We need more transparency and fan representation. The SLB seem to have decided that openness builds goodwill – and they’re right. We need more of that from everyone.”

“Right now, the sport feels like a battleground. We need leadership that listens, unites, and works in service of the game – not in service of its own interests.”

“It’s getting harder to bring new people into British basketball. The talent is there, the passion is there – but the politics make it feel chaotic and small-time.”

“Stop fighting over control and start fighting for the fans and players. We’re the ones who suffer when egos get in the way.”

The BBFA exists to amplify the voice of the fanbase – not to set the agenda, but to make sure no one in power can pretend fans are silent or indifferent.

This Pulse confirms what many have felt privately: the current system is not working. But it also reveals something powerful – fans are still here, still invested, and still ready to be part of something better.

We’ll take this message forward. We’ll continue to speak when it matters. And we’ll keep making space for fan voices – because British basketball is stronger when it belongs to everyone.