Note: This piece was written in the immediate aftermath of the BBF awarding preferred bidder status to the group who became known as the GBBL. More information has since emerged and for a more complete picture see our season recap.
With the SLB now asserting its independence from the BBF, the long-term structure of British basketball is in crisis. The federation’s decision to award “preferred bidder” status for the professional league to an external group—without consultation or support from the clubs—has created an unprecedented standoff. What happens next will shape the future of the sport.
For all the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the clubs are the ones building basketball in this country. The work is already being done—from investment in infrastructure to developing British talent. The numbers reflect that effort.
Using the definition of a British player as one listed with a ‘British’ nationality on Eurobasket, the table below highlights which clubs have prioritised British players this season:
| Team | % Minutes Played by British Players |
|---|---|
| Caledonia Gladiators | 49.9% |
| London Lions | 47.0% |
| Newcastle Eagles | 39.9% |
| Cheshire Phoenix | 30.3% |
| Surrey 89ers | 28.7% |
| Manchester Basketball | 26.7% |
| B. Braun Sheffield Sharks | 23.7% |
| Bristol Flyers | 11.8% |
| Leicester Riders | 8.2% |
Club Philosophies on British Development
Three clubs—Caledonia Gladiators, London Lions, and Newcastle Eagles—stand out for their different approaches to developing British talent.
- The Caledonia Gladiators ownership has been vocal about their ambition to “build a basketball nation.” This is reflected in their heavy investment in Scottish talent, with players like Fraser Malcolm (22.99 MPG) and, earlier in the season, Kyle Jimenez (14.39 MPG) getting significant opportunities. Alongside them, established British players Patrick Whelan (32.81 MPG) and Teddy Okereafor (30.80 MPG) reinforce Caledonia’s commitment to domestic development.
- The London Lions prove that investing in British talent can go hand-in-hand with competing at the top of the league. Their rotation features rising British players like Jaiden Delaire (25.61 MPG) and Ade Adebayo (24.93 MPG), striking a balance between development and winning.
- The Newcastle Eagles focus on experience, prioritising minutes for veteran British players. Josh Ward-Hibbert (26.18 MPG) and Jordan Spencer (20.95 MPG) are both over 30 but provide leadership and stability, while even at 40, Darius Defoe (13.61 MPG) remains a key contributor.
Across the league, the SLB clubs are already doing the work of developing British basketball. The question is whether they will be allowed to continue.
The Stakes for British Basketball
With the SLB rejecting BBF authority, British basketball is in uncharted territory. The BBF has committed to pushing forward with their own plan—despite having no league, no infrastructure, and no support from the existing clubs. The SLB has made its stance clear—they are moving forward, independent of the federation.
What comes next is uncertain, but we know one thing for sure. British basketball is facing an existential crisis.
The question is not just who will run the league—but whether British basketball will be allowed to build on the progress that has already been made.
Links
- Hoopsfix reporting on the bidding process for the pro-league licence: https://www.hoopsfix.com/2025/01/bbf-shuns-slb-with-alternate-preferred-bidder-for-long-term-pro-league-license/
- The SLB Show ‘Emergency Podcast’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lN3UXw8GBDOTQQpDDpquK?si=a7b386b61d164698
- Super League Basketball Statement: https://www.superleaguebasketballm.co.uk/super-league-basketball-statement/
