BBF opens up tender process for long-term professional league license

The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has launched a formal process for the appointment of a long-term licensee to operate British professional men’s basketball league.

With a three year interim licence awarded to Super League Basketball Limited (previously Premier Basketball Limited), in July, with the aim “to provide stability and enable the 2024/25 League season to take place” following termination of the previous licence with Basketball League Limited, the federation – which has the exclusive right to grant licences to operate the professional basketball leagues in Great Britain as the official FIBA member – is now looking for a long term licensee.

The termination announcement issued by the BBF on 14th June 2024 stated that work on the process “to shape longer term arrangements for the effective governance and development” of the League was already underway and would be completed “as soon as possible, taking regard of the BBF’s obligation to conduct robust due diligence with regard to possible investors.”

The BBF say they are now delivering on their commitment to provide a strong platform for the sustainable growth and success of professional basketball in future years through the award of a longer-term licence for the operation of the League beyond the 2024/25 season, though it was understood the interim license was originally through until the end of the 2027/28 season.

The BBF added the “provision of an environment conducive to the continued growth and success of the existing men’s professional clubs as well as the attraction of new franchises” will be a key consideration in the shaping and award of the long-term licence.

Chris Grant OBE, Chair of the British Basketball Federation said:

“Looking at the popularity and positive energy around basketball in Britain, this has to be seen as one of the most significant opportunities for many years across the entire professional sport landscape.

“The 2024/25 season promises to bring excitement for basketball’s amazing fans, and to provide further evidence of the unique power of the game to engage people from diverse backgrounds on and off the court.

“We salute the resilience and positive energy of all those who have made this season possible and we look forward to building on the growing professionalism and unity of purpose which has enabled British professional basketball to overcome significant challenges and demonstrate its readiness to go to the next level and beyond.”

Any parties interested in operating the League in future seasons can submit their expression of interest via the BBF website before 17:00 GMT on 8 November 2024, with the BBF stating they aim to give a decision as soon as possible, expected to be in early 2025.

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