BBL AND WBBL TO BECOME SINGLE LEAGUE
The BBL and WBBL are to merge following a takeover by an American-based equity company.
Radical plans* have been unveiled by Miami-based 747 Partners, who have been negotiating to buy the British Basketball League for several months, in what the new owners describe as a “landmark day for basketball and for equality”.
The £7.3 million deal will see the men’s and women’s competitions meshed together into a world-first single-sex league that will see males and females together on court on the same team.
“Gender equality is something we are passionate about,” said 747 chief harmony officer, April Fuellopolous.
“In taking a majority stake in the BBL and WBBL, we want to create something different to any other basketball league in the world, a product that will be watched and followed by millions in the UK and abroad.
“That is why we have decided to introduce a single entity from the 2021-22 season that showcase the best British talent from the Great Britain men’s and women’s teams – together.”
The rules, MVP can reveal, will include a minimum of two women on court at all times with rosters limited to three American imports and two from Lithuania.
The five-point basket, piloted in the All Stars competition, will become a permanent part of the rules while a new no-dunking zone will be trialled within one metre of the hoop.
“We also plan to roll out new franchises,” added Fuellopolous. “We can reveal Plymouth Raiders will be relocating to Birmingham and a new club will commence operation in Scunthorpe in 2023.
“We are also in negotiations with the NBA to introduce an annual game against their champions.”
*3pm update: April Fool, obviously.
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