This letter is the product of weeks of organising, consultation, and listening — and we believe it is the most comprehensive, fan-led message ever submitted in British basketball.
The last year has brought major changes, deep uncertainty, and increasing frustration for supporters. A fractured relationship between the BBF and SLB, the sudden awarding of a long-term licence to a new, untested league operator, and a lack of clear communication from all sides have left many fans feeling shut out of the conversation — and concerned about the future.
We launched our Campaign for Clarity, hosted the first BBFA Fan Forum, and conducted a national fan survey to better understand what supporters really think.
The results were overwhelming: fans want transparency, unity, and to be treated as more than just spectators. They want answers. And they want to be heard.
The Open Letter outlines:
The BBFA’s position and values
Over 100 structured questions gathered from supporters across the country
A clear request for full, public responses from all three bodies
A deadline for reply: Friday 7th June 2025
A summary of wider issues raised by fans during our survey
A call for genuine engagement and a better path forward
To the British Basketball Federation (BBF), Super League Basketball (SLB), and GBB League Ltd. (GBBL).
As the British Basketball Fans Association (BBFA), we represent supporters across the country who are passionate about the sport and concerned about its future. In recent months, developments around league licensing, governance, and transparency have created widespread confusion and disillusionment among fans.
We launched a national fan survey and hosted an open fan forum to better understand the questions and concerns of the people who fill arenas, stream games, and support British basketball year-round. This letter shares what we’ve heard and what we’re asking in response.
What This Letter Includes:
Our position and reasoning for this letter
A summary of what we expect in return
Questions addressed to the BBF, SLB, and GBBL, grouped by topic
Additional issues fans raised in the survey
A full appendix of all fan-submitted questions
Our Position
This letter is not an attack, but a call for transparency, clarity, and engagement. The BBFA exists to give fans a voice in decisions that shape the sport. Too many major announcements have come without consultation or clear explanation. Fans are left to speculate—while trying to stay loyal to the game they love.
We are calling on each organisation addressed here to provide full, public responses to the questions in this letter. We believe fans deserve accountability and open communication from the sport’s leadership. We stand ready to work constructively with you to create a stronger, more united future for British basketball.
Section 1: Questions for the British Basketball Federation (BBF)
1. Licence Award & Tender Process
What was the full process and timeline that led to awarding the 15-year licence to GBBL?
Who was on the independent panel that selected GBBL, and what made them qualified to make that decision?
What were the selection criteria, and how were they weighted and scored?
Why was there only one bidder? Was the tender process truly open and transparent?
Why wasn’t a short-term or interim licence considered instead of a long-term award?
Will the BBF publish the full bid documents and scoring rationale?
Were other stakeholders, including fans and existing clubs, consulted during the process?
How was the process promoted to potential applicants?
2. Oversight, Accountability & Governance
What mechanisms are in place to monitor GBBL’s performance and enforce accountability?
What conditions or performance targets are attached to the licence, if any?
What happens if GBBL fails to meet its targets or if clubs refuse to engage?
Can the licence be revoked or reviewed before the 15-year term ends?
3. Stakeholder Relations
Why has the BBF’s relationship with SLB and its clubs broken down?
What steps has the BBF taken to rebuild trust with current pro clubs?
Is there a plan to reunify the sport across the BBF, SLB, and GBBL?
Does the BBF still recognise SLB as the top tier for 2025/26 in any official capacity?
What is the BBF’s response to SLB’s allegation of illegality in the tender process?
4. Impact on the Game
What happens to the domestic professional league in 2025/26 with no BBF/FIBA licence in place?
What support will BBF offer to clubs, players, and officials during this transition year?
How will this disruption affect national team selection, competition integrity, and development pathways?
Has the BBF assessed the risks of having no sanctioned top-tier league?
5. Fan Engagement
Why hasn’t the BBF spoken directly to fans about the changes or offered public explanation?
How will the BBF include fans in future decision-making processes?
What steps are being taken to rebuild trust with the fanbase?
Will the BBF commit to fan representation or consultation mechanisms moving forward?
6. The Women’s Game
Does this licence award affect the women’s league or WBBL structure?
How does the BBF plan to ensure women’s basketball is integrated into long-term strategy?
Will the BBF publish a plan for the future of the women's professional and national programmes?
Section 2: Questions for Super League Basketball (SLB)
1. Future of the League & Operation Without BBF Sanctioning
How do you plan to continue operating without a BBF licence?
Do you expect to run a league next season without BBF or FIBA recognition?
What are the implications for clubs, players, and fans of operating independently?
Without a licence, how will clubs participate in European competitions?
How are you working to avoid further conflict with the BBF?
Do you believe a deal with GBBL is possible, and what would that look like?
2. Governance, Rules & Accountability
Why is there no published constitution or rulebook?
Will you commit to publishing full league rules before each season (e.g. imports, salary cap, formats)?
Will you guarantee that rules will not change mid-season again?
What mechanisms are in place to hold league leadership accountable?
How will governance be improved to prevent issues like the crowded schedule or leadership controversies?
3. League Structure & Expansion
What is your long-term plan for league expansion?
How many teams will participate next season, and what will the format look like?
What criteria must aspiring teams meet to join the league?
How will SLB support smaller or new clubs to ensure sustainability?
What is your plan and timeline to grow the league to 12+ teams?
4. Player Development & Talent Pathways
What are your plans to support over-18 and U23 development (e.g. reserve or academy teams)?
Will you introduce homegrown player requirements or development incentives?
How will you support British coaches, referees, and officials?
Are you working with local leagues and grassroots to develop domestic talent instead of relying on imports?
Will you improve and publish a clear player development pathway across all SLB clubs?
5. Fan Access, Media & Matchday Experience
Will you continue to provide consistent game streaming access for fans?
Will clubs be required to publish attendance and viewership figures?
Are there plans to introduce instant replay to support refereeing?
What is your communications strategy for keeping fans informed and involved?
6. Grassroots & Community Integration
What role will SLB play in developing grassroots basketball?
Are you exploring partnerships with organisations like the London Basketball Association or local associations to grow the sport?
How are you planning to raise the validity of the sport at all levels?
Section 3: Questions for GBB League Ltd.
1. League Viability & Infrastructure
How will you create a league from scratch with no current teams, facilities, or fanbases?
How do you intend to get facilities, teams, and players in place by 2026 without SLB involvement?
What clubs have you spoken to about joining the new league?
Where will your new clubs play their games?
How do you plan to attract talented players and coaches to an unknown league with no track record?
Have you secured venues in the cities you’ve proposed?
What infrastructure will be in place to support professional standards across all teams?
2. Finance, Investment & Sustainability
Where is the money coming from?
Can you sustain the £15–20 million investment you’ve promised?
What’s the long-term financial model — how will the league survive beyond year one or two?
How do you justify break-even projections in two years given UK arena limitations and market size?
What is your plan to sustain growth at both pro and grassroots levels?
How will this compare with past failed investments in British basketball (e.g. 777 Partners)?
3. League Structure, Rules & Competitive Model
Will you publish a business plan and timetable for launch?
Will you commit to releasing the league’s rulebook in advance (e.g. import limits, salary cap)?
What will the governance model be? Will it be centralised or club-led?
Will there be a women’s league or collaboration with WBBL/SLB women’s league?
What is your long-term vision for league size, European competition, and franchise expansion?
How do you intend to balance commercial priorities with competitive integrity?
4. Relationship with SLB & the Basketball Ecosystem
Have you spoken to SLB and existing clubs? If not, why?
Are you open to compromise or collaboration with SLB?
Why have you remained silent despite mounting concerns from fans and clubs?
Do you think British basketball can grow without uniting with its current professional base?
How will you build credibility without teams or club history?
5. Fan Engagement, Identity & Trust
Why haven’t you directly addressed fans yet?
What message do you have for supporters of existing SLB clubs?
Do you expect fans to abandon their clubs and support new franchises?
What steps will you take to ensure fan voices are included in shaping the league?
Why was the BBFA only mentioned in a press release and not contacted directly?
6. Grassroots & Development Pathways
What are your plans for supporting grassroots development?
Will you work with groups like the London Basketball Association or local leagues?
How will you improve talent development, including coaches, referees, and officials?
Will there be a national academy structure or youth pathway?
How will your plans support the long-term health of the sport beyond just the pro level?
Section 4: Additional Themes Raised by Fans
In addition to specific questions directed at the BBF, SLB, and GBBL, fans raised broader concerns through our national survey. These themes reflect the mood of the community and highlight the areas of focus supporters want to see addressed across the whole sport:
A lack of overall strategic unity in British basketball — fragmentation between governing bodies and leagues has confused fans and stunted growth.
Concerns about commercial motives outweighing grassroots support and community development.
Frustration with inconsistent or absent communication from all major stakeholders.
Anxiety over the future of existing clubs and what role they will play in new structures or leagues.
Worry that young British talent (players, coaches, officials) is being overshadowed by short-term import strategies.
A desire for more investment in women’s basketball, including clarity on the future of the women’s professional league.
Requests for more transparency and professionalism in how league rules and decisions are made and communicated.
Interest in mechanisms for fan consultation, voting, or structured input into major decisions.
These themes show that fans are not only passionate about the game itself but deeply invested in the systems that govern it. Their questions and comments were thoughtful, constructive, and consistent — and they expect those leading British basketball to listen.
Fan Perspectives on the Future
In our national BBFA Member Survey, we asked fans to share their views on the future of British basketball — particularly in light of the current uncertainty around who will run the top-tier league, and how the sport will evolve.
The responses were clear and consistent. The majority of fans expressed deep concern about any new league that excludes existing clubs, with over 75% saying they would not support such a competition. There was strong scepticism about the legitimacy of the current licensing process, and a widespread lack of trust in the institutions shaping the next era of the game.
Fans were also split on whether they would buy a season ticket for a league not sanctioned by the BBF or FIBA, showing that confidence in any unsanctioned structure remains fragile.
We also asked fans to consider their openness to supporting a brand new team if their current club didn’t make it into a future league — and most made it clear: loyalty to their club comes first.
The following charts illustrate the sentiment of the fanbase and reinforce the need for clarity, continuity, and inclusion in any future league structure
Section 5: Our Request and Call to Action
This letter is submitted in good faith on behalf of a growing community of British basketball supporters who believe in a stronger, more unified future for the sport. It contains over 100 questions gathered from fans, structured and presented respectfully, with the aim of building understanding and accountability.
We are requesting full, public responses from the British Basketball Federation, Super League Basketball, and GBBL Ltd. to the questions outlined in this letter. We ask that those responses be made available no later than Friday, 7th June 2025 ideally through your official websites, media channels, or through direct dialogue with the BBFA.
This is not a protest. This is a platform for constructive conversation, built by the people who support this sport at every level. We are ready to meet, listen, collaborate and represent the interests of fans across the country.
The future of British basketball must be shaped with its supporters, not without them.
We are not here to divide the sport — we are here to help it grow, with the people who care about it most at the heart of that journey.
We look forward to your responses, and to building a better future for British basketball, together.
On behalf of the British Basketball Fans Association (BBFA)
To everyone who took the time to complete the survey, speak up in our forums, offer their expertise, or simply share our posts — thank you. This letter doesn’t just come from us — it comes from you. It reflects the dedication, knowledge and passion of a fanbase that refuses to give up on British basketball.
We believe the BBFA has a role to play in making this sport stronger, fairer, and more united. And this letter is just the start.
We are the BBFA.
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