Matchroom Reveal Game Format Changes for All-Stars Championship

A five point line, 12 minute games and a sin bin are all part of new format changes that were released for the new British Basketball All-Stars Championship event to be held at the O2 arena this September, by Matchroom Sport this week.

Matchroom Sport will also add in a 20 second shot clock, rolling subs and a 2 minute ‘power play’ which will see all points scored during that time period doubled, as they attempt to reinvigorate the game with “exciting new innovations.”

FORMAT: The British Basketball All-Stars Championship introduces some exciting new innovations. Will you be @TheO2 on September 24? pic.twitter.com/hTl70a5w8U

— All-Stars Basketball (@AllStars_BB) May 8, 2017

The event, first announced in March, is Barry Hearn’s brainchild, and will feature the top 8 finishing BBL sides from this season; Bristol Flyers, Sheffield Sharks, Leicester Riders, London Lions, Newcastle Eagles, Glasgow Rocks, Surrey Scorchers and Worcester Wolves.

There is a £100,000 prize fund with each team receiving at least £5,000 with the top prize of 25k going to the tournament winners.

THE TEAMS: These are the eight @BBLofficial teams who will battle it out in the @AllStars_BB on Sept 24 @TheO2!
🎟️https://t.co/L8hO7lw9Yd pic.twitter.com/4j9GSRyGNx

— All-Stars Basketball (@AllStars_BB) May 9, 2017

However, the new innovations have received mixed responses.

Newcastle Eagles assistant coach Dave Forrester feels it is too gimmicky, and too many changes at once, tweeting:

@GJBuckingham @purplewarrior9 @JCGrimshaw @AllStars_BB @TheO2 @BBLofficial sorry but no free throws and running clock in last minute will lead to anarchy. Positive £ incentive to commit hard fouls. Needs rethink

— David Forrester (@shieldsbrief) May 8, 2017

@purplewarrior9 @GJBuckingham @JCGrimshaw @AllStars_BB @TheO2 @BBLofficial Too many gimmicks for me. Double points? Opp has incentive to foul to stop any shot. 5pt shot? Better to try one or maybe a couple at first

— David Forrester (@shieldsbrief) May 8, 2017

Whilst British hoops legend John Amaechi, was also not a fan:

In completely typical style, UK basketball once again thinks it knows better & reinvents the game by crossing it with Hockey.

Good luck.

— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) May 9, 2017

UK basketball – adding sin bins, power plays and a 5-point line… because the game that the rest of the world plays isn't good enough.

— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) May 9, 2017

It was not all negative, @purplewarrior9 commented: “Sounds like an exciting yet still good format!”, with @JCGrimshaw adding: “I think this will be so fun to watch.”

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!