A consortium of clubs has been granted permission to run a men’s professional basketball competition in Britain, more than a month after the league’s future was thrown into doubt.
The British Basketball Federation (BBF) revoked the operating agreement of former league operator Basketball League Ltd in June amid “clear breaches” of its licence and ongoing financial issues.
Premier Basketball Limited, a company made up of a group of basketball clubs, has now been awarded a three-year licence to manage the upcoming season and future seasons, the BBF announced on Wednesday.
BBF chair Chris Grant said the new interim licence meant preparations for the 2024/25 season could continue.
“I’m delighted that fans, players, staff, and partners can look forward, with confidence, to the continuation of top-level British club basketball,” he said.
“The way we’ve worked together bodes well for the ongoing improvement and alignment of our player pathway so that the wealth of British basketball talent can translate to success on the international stage.”
The federation also announced plans to scope and invite potential long-term licence bidders.
“The fact that we’ve been able to move so quickly following the termination of the previous licence is down to the positivity and unity of the clubs, as well as the professionalism and focus of our BBF team and Board,” Mr Grant said.
Basketball League Ltd has been running the men’s professional competition since being granted a 10-year licence in 2017.
The BBF said that the 2024/25 fixtures list will be announced in the coming weeks.