BBL denied coronavirus bailout from government

By Sam Neter on June 4, 2020

Image Credit: Mansoor Ahmed/Ahmedphotos

The government has denied the BBL a £1million rescue loan to help them survive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Telegraph has revealed today.

It serves as another kick in the teeth for the sport which has had continuous battles to secure government funding over the years, with the £1million request paling in comparison to the £16million emergency loan awarded to rugby league, justified by England’s hosting of the Rugby league world cup in 2021.

The BBL is asking the government to reconsider, saying the situation would get “very critical” if they are unable to play in front of paying crowds next season.

“I have gone back to Government to remind them of the amount of work that the sport generally does in the urban communities and it would be a shame if that were curtailed because of lack of resource,” BBL Chairman Sir Rodney Walker told Telegraph Sport.

Former BBL Director and shareholder of the Glasgow Rocks David Low has stated he believes the league could be at risk of an insolvency event – a claim rubbished by others involved with the league – but BBL Chief Operating Officer Andy Webb has said the league is not viable to play behind closed doors, with Commercial Director Bob Hope saying playing behind closed doors is a “non-starter” in the latest episode of the Hoopsfix podcast.

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