A major rift within British basketball has escalated, with the British Basketball Federation (BBF) refusing to endorse four of the country’s top clubs for European competition next season. Manchester Basketball, London Lions, Newcastle Eagles, and Bristol Flyers have all had their European ambitions put on hold, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the BBF and the Super League Basketball (SLB) clubs.
The BBF has cited the lack of a valid licence for the SLB as the main reason for denying endorsements. Without official sanction from the national governing body, clubs are deemed ineligible for competitions under the Federation of International Basketball Associations (Fiba). This decision has already had consequences, as Manchester has missed the registration deadline for the prestigious Basketball Champions League.
In a communication to Manchester, the BBF made its stance clear: only clubs competing in officially sanctioned national championship competitions would be endorsed. Since the BBF has suspended the SLB’s interim licence, it considers the clubs unqualified under current regulations.
This impasse follows the BBF’s controversial move last month to award a 15-year licence to run a new Great Britain Basketball League (GBBL) to an American-led consortium. The existing nine SLB clubs have rejected the proposed structure and are refusing to join the new league, fueling the dispute. The BBF attempted to extend an olive branch by offering a 12-month operating licence to the SLB for the 2025–26 season, but the offer was declined by the clubs.
The fallout has implications beyond European participation. Clubs allege the BBF is obstructing visa processes for overseas players by withholding the governing body endorsements needed by the Home Office. Although the BBF denies these claims, it argues it cannot fulfill its duties for clubs operating outside officially recognised structures.
While Fiba competitions like the Champions League are clearly off-limits without BBF approval, the fate of applications to non-Fiba events such as the EuroCup and European North Basketball League remains uncertain. The BBF has refused to support the Lions’ EuroCup bid and the Eagles’ and Flyers’ European North Basketball League applications, though it’s unclear if it has jurisdiction to fully prevent participation.
Manchester Basketball is now considering legal action on the grounds of restraint of trade. Other SLB clubs are rallying behind them, suggesting a united front in response to what they see as unjust interference by the BBF.
The dispute represents a significant threat to the growth of professional basketball in the UK, particularly in terms of international exposure and development opportunities for British players and coaches. Calls are growing for a resolution that prioritises the sport’s long-term health and global competitiveness.
