BBL GETS ONE-YEAR LICENCE DEAL

BBL clubs face a 12 months wait for a new structure for the domestic league after it was revealed the new British Basketball Federation has only granted a one-year extension to the league’s operating licence.

With several leading clubs arguing for a long-term extension to avoid any extra uncertainty, the BBF – which will publish its strategy to revamp the sport on Tuesday – will take a closer look at the structure, and at possible outside investors, before committing to a new deal.

Leading sides, however, have received private assurances that they will be included in any revamped league.

“Arrangements have been put in place to extend the current BBL licence to cover the 2016-17 season which will commence in September 2016, so that it will be coterminous with the WBBL licence already issued,” said a BBF spokesperson.

“The BBF will be developing with its partners, the plans for a new licence structure to apply from the 2017-18 season onwards as part of the action plans to implement the vision and strategy. The strategy will set out the 10 strategic objectives that will underpin the new licence arrangements for both the men’s and women’s leagues.”

The new strategy, drawn up after a public consultation, is expected to bring greater integration between Basketball Scotland and its English and Welsh counterparts, plus a stronger focus on the Great Britain team programme from the age of 16 upwards.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed GB will hold a training camp in Portugal at the start of August ahead of this summer’s EuroBasket qualifiers, as well as playing friendlies in Portugal, Slovenia and in Manchester.

Pic: Mansoor Ahmed