On Thursday 1st May — just one day before the playoffs tipped off — supporters from across the UK joined the very first BBFA Fan Forum, united by a shared mission: to demand clarity, accountability, and inclusion in the decisions shaping British basketball’s future.
Fans voiced deep concern about the lack of public communication from the BBF and GBBL. With the 2025/26 season fast approaching — and no official sanctioning in place — supporters questioned how clubs will enter European competition, what the risks are for players, and why no one is addressing the fanbase directly.
“There has been no social media disclosure by either side. Can they confirm that ‘the adults have gotten round the table’?”
Multiple fans pointed out the progress made this season — from the rise in away support and DAZN coverage to the growing buzz around the women’s game. Many feared this could be undone by the current instability.
“This season has been fantastic. It would be a tragedy to rip it apart.”
“Women’s basketball is growing fast — why aren’t we capitalising on it?”
The BBF’s decision to award a 15-year licence to GBBL — following a tender process with only one bidder — came under heavy scrutiny. Fans questioned whether the funding is real, what the league structure will look like, and how GBBL can succeed without buy-in from existing clubs.
“GBBL without the clubs is akin to a fantasy league.”
Attendees didn’t just vent frustrations — they offered vision:
Long-term investment, not short-term PR
Player continuity and storytelling to build star power
Consistent coverage across men’s and women’s basketball
Inclusion of players, coaches, and fans in future planning
Better facilities, game-day experience, and broadcast infrastructure
“We shouldn’t need to be experts in corporate finance just to follow British basketball.”
“British basketball needs structure to support the pro league and the national team.”
Don’t worry — the full replay is available on YouTube now.
This was only the beginning.
We’ll now:
Crowdsource more questions and comments from BBFA members
Draft an open letter to the BBF, SLB, and GBBL
Ensure that every member’s voice and input is represented in what we send
Continue building the BBFA into a legitimate, unified voice for supporters nationwide
If you want to help us keep the pressure on and ensure fans are part of the future, now’s the time.
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