Knockout tournaments capture the imagination of sports fans like nothing else. The FA Cup has been a staple of British football for over a century, delivering underdog stories, giant-killings, and moments that unite communities. A basketball equivalent should be a perfect fit—giving lower-league teams a shot at top-tier opposition while also helping British basketball establish its own traditions and attract new fans.
The SLB Cup has the foundation to create those moments. A young player stepping up on the big stage, a lower-league team pushing a top-flight club to the limit—these are the kinds of stories that make knockout basketball compelling. This year, Surrey’s Nedas Cholevinskas had his breakout moment in the semi-final, showcasing exactly what this competition can offer. Now, it’s about ensuring those moments happen throughout the tournament, not just at the end.
The challenge isn’t the concept—it’s how the competition is structured. The SLB Cup has the potential to be a landmark event—one that draws attention from the opening round to the final.
Two Halves, Two Different Competitions
This year’s SLB Cup felt like two distinct tournaments. The first round—the only stage where lower-league teams had a chance to make an impact—was barely visible. Of the eight first-round games, only one was streamed, and that was the all-SLB matchup.
| Round | % Games Streamed |
|---|---|
| First Round | 12.5% |
| Quarter Final | 75% |
| Semi-final | 100% |
| Final | 100% |
By the semi-finals, the competition had the spotlight it deserved. Every game was streamed, and the level of engagement increased. But because the lower-league teams were already eliminated, it felt more like an SLB-only event rather than a true domestic competition.
Unlocking the SLB Cup’s Potential
The SLB Cup is already a valuable part of the calendar. With a couple of adjustments, it could become a defining event.
Every Game Must Be Streamed
Basketball can’t offer lower-league clubs the financial windfalls of an FA Cup run, but it can offer exposure. A well-run knockout tournament should be a platform for lower-league teams and players to showcase their talent to a wider audience. Visibility makes the tournament matter.
Make It a Competition for All Levels
A staggered entry system—where lower-league teams compete early before SLB clubs join later—would create real underdog opportunities, generate fresh stories, and establish the SLB Cup as a stage for all levels of British basketball.
The SLB Cup Deserves a Bigger Stage
This year’s SLB Cup delivered moments worth remembering. The goal should be ensuring those moments happen all tournament long.
The competition has all the ingredients to become a signature event—one that draws in new fans, gives lower-league teams exposure, and adds real excitement to the season. With the right tweaks, the SLB Cup can be exactly what British basketball needs: a knockout competition that delivers drama, showcases rising talent, and brings the sport’s best stories to life.
