Players pen open letter to BBF board following license dispute

Temi Fagbenle has published an open letter to the British Basketball Federation (BBF) board from the players following the ongoing dispute between the governing body and the Super League Basketball (SLB) over the operating license for the professional league.

The letter asks for a seat at the table for the players to hear about proposals for the professional league operating license after the BBF entered an exclusive negotiating period with a group led by former interim Euroleague CEO Marshall Glickman, a process the current league and clubs opted out of as they felt it was illegitimate.

Here's to transparency, togetherness and a better future for British basketball. We look forward to your response, @gbbasketball
*reposted with correct date* pic.twitter.com/j3epoPP45Y

— Temitope Fagbenle (@TemiFagbenle) March 12, 2025

“Many pro players currently playing overseas would relish the opportunity to come back home, but it is not sustainable in the current league set-up,” the letter states, before adding “British professional basketball is stagnating” in criticism of the SLB.

However, Fagbenle has since responded to fans on Twitter saying “this was a request for transparency and unity within the pro ball space, not a disparaging statement.”

The letter has been welcomed by the BBF board, who responded with a statement on their website saying they are” determined to see British professional basketball fulfil its huge untapped potential and we’re delighted at the prospect of working with the players at this exciting time.”

The players getting involved has led to further shots being fired on social media, as British former NBA player John Amaechi jumping in to side with the BBF, and having a back and forth with Sharks Managing Director Sarah Backovic, while Caledonia Gladiators owner Steve Timoney appears to believe BBF Chair Chris Grant has colluded with the players on the letter, saying on X and LinkedIn:

“A wise man once taught me an important lesson – he said whenever you are in a heated debate, be prepared to stand up and take an honest question and make sure you give an honest answer. NEVER be tempted to ‘plant’ a question you have had prepared, have your answer ready to go and hope that your audience accept it as a genuine discussion. It is disrespectful to your audience, it is dishonest and it is cowardly. I’ve pretty much lived by that – not sure why it popped into my head today…. ”

The full letter from the players read as follows:

“To the BBF Board,

“We, the players, understand that there are some movements concerning the British men’s professional basketball league, and there will be decisions regarding new ownership of it. These decisions will directly affect us as players from the grassroots to the professional levels. We kindly request to hear what is contained within the proposal that you are considering.

“There is much at stake here, including many of our livelihoods and the future of young aspiring hoopers. We want to hear about proposed changes to the professional, academy, and grassroots systems. This obviously includes the effect new ownership of the men’s league would have on the women’s game.

“The UK should be a place where young and pro players alike can choose to develop, rather than feel they must go overseas to improve. Many pro players currently playing overseas would relish the opportunity to come back home, but it is not sustainable in the current league set-up.

“In the past couple of years, we have been on an upward trajectory. At the GB senior level, we have competed well internationally and we feel that the BBF has been working hard to support us. Our qualification for this summer’s women’s and men’s EuroBasket tournaments is a reflection of this and it shows what British players are capable of.

“However, British professional basketball has been stagnating and there is much uncertainty. We have waited patiently for many years, but our concerns regarding the future are valid. We hope you will take them into consideration and that we can be actively involved with you in building a better future for the whole of British basketball.

“Thank you for your time and efforts.

“Sincerely,

“Current and Past British Professional Basketball Players

Temi Fagbenle, Carl Wheatle, Azania Stewart, Myles Hesson,
Shanice Beckford-Norton, Gabe Olaseni, Chan Handy, Josh Steel

While the BBF’s response said:

“The British Basketball Federation (BBF) welcomes the letter we have received from British professional players, offering their active involvement in building a better future for the whole of British basketball and asking to learn more about the vision and plan for the development of the men’s professional league, as well as prospects for the women’s league. The BBF will move quickly to update the players and to hear their views.

“We understand that the operation of the professional leagues directly affects the current players’ lives and careers, and we admire their commitment to ensuring the best possible support for the young talents who will follow them. It’s extremely encouraging to read that many of those currently playing overseas would love to come back home, and we share their ambition of a domestic basketball structure providing the highest quality development and support for aspiring and established professional British players.

“The players are right to be proud of their progress on the court, with both women and men qualifying for this summer’s EuroBasket tournaments and we appreciate their acknowledgement of the hard work done to support them off the court by the GB coaches and staff.

“The BBF is determined to see British professional basketball fulfil its huge untapped potential and we’re delighted at the prospect of working with the players at this exciting time.”