The sports minister, Stephanie Peacock, has called for an investigation into allegations of unlawful tendering involving the British Basketball Federation (BBF). The BBF recently signed a 15-year agreement with an American consortium to operate a new men’s professional league starting in 2026. This move has sparked intense dissatisfaction among the nine existing Super League Basketball (SLB) clubs, which are questioning the legitimacy of the process and the potential risks to public funding.
The controversy began in February when Vaughn Millette, the owner of the Sheffield Sharks, wrote to the government outlining the clubs’ concerns after the BBF entered exclusive negotiations with Marshall Glickman’s GBB League Ltd (GBBL). The letter raised issues regarding the legality of the BBF’s tender process for operating the new league. The SLB had expected to submit a bid to run the league but was reportedly advised not to due to legal concerns. The allegations are said to range from serious procedural errors to potentially criminal activities.
In her response to the clubs, Minister Peacock acknowledged that some of the issues raised were “serious” and “potentially criminal in nature,” prompting the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to refer the matter to UK Sport for investigation. The tender process is central to the dispute, as the SLB believes the BBF’s actions have undermined the principles of fairness and transparency. Furthermore, the public funding that British basketball receives annually around £4.75 million from UK Sport and Sport England could be at risk if the investigation reveals that proper governance protocols were not followed.
The BBF has denied any wrongdoing, describing the backlash as a response from clubs that are upset about losing control of the league. According to Chris Grant, the BBF chair, the deal with GBBL marks the largest-ever financial investment in British basketball and is seen as a major step forward for the sport. The BBF believes that the partnership will bring much-needed expertise, connections, and financial backing, boosting both the men’s and women’s teams’ chances in upcoming international competitions like the FIBA EuroBasket and the LA Olympic cycle.
On the other hand, SLB has expressed deep concern about the future of the league under the new arrangements. They argue that the proposed new league operator, which has no established clubs, arenas, or experience in building a basketball infrastructure, lacks the foundation to support the growth and sustainability of the sport. The SLB also stressed that the BBF’s actions could jeopardize the progress they have made, noting that the clubs have invested substantial resources over £15 million this season alone toward creating a sustainable professional league in the UK.
The tension has escalated to the point where SLB has threatened to establish a breakaway league, challenging the BBF’s authority and governance. The SLB’s position is that it is capable of running the league independently of the BBF, as it does not require the governing body’s license to continue its operations.
In her letter to the clubs, Minister Peacock suggested that if no criminal evidence emerges from the investigation, the government might recommend independent arbitration between the parties involved. This could help resolve the commercial dispute and ensure that the best outcome for British basketball, at both the elite and grassroots levels, is achieved. The priority, she emphasized, should be the survival of a sustainable professional league that benefits both players and fans across the country.
