SLB-BBF rift deepens as Sports Minister reportedly flags ‘potentially criminal’ allegations

By Sam Neter on April 3, 2025

The ongoing crisis in British basketball has intensified, as Super League Basketball (SLB) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) continue their bitter public dispute following the award of a 15-year licence to GBB League Ltd (GBBL) to operate a new professional league from 2026.

According to The Guardian, Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock has written to clubs stating that some of the allegations made by SLB about the British Basketball Federation’s tender process for a new professional men’s league may be “potentially criminal in nature” and could be a matter for the police.

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The letter, seen by the Guardian and reportedly sent in February in response to concerns raised by Sheffield Sharks owner Vaughn Millette, has not been made public.

While any criminal matters would be outside the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s remit, the letter — according to The Guardian — also states that UK Sport and Sport England are reviewing the situation under their governance and funding responsibilities.

The BBF, in a statement released Thursday, strongly refuted any allegations of illegality or criminality amidst growing scrutiny.

“The British Basketball Federation strongly refutes any claims of illegality or criminality in the tender process and subsequent award of the men’s professional league licence to GBBL.

“We can confirm the BBF is not being investigated by DCMS or UK Sport on any matter regarding the allegation of criminality or illegality of the tender process.”

The federation said it had “offered to open [its] books” to demonstrate transparency and insisted the process was legally sound, having been conducted by an independent panel and supported by the full BBF board — including representatives from Basketball England, Scotland, and Wales.

“The chairs of Basketball England, Basketball Scotland, and Basketball Wales have written to UK Sport confirming that they have been informed and involved throughout and that they believe this process serves the best interests of the game across the whole of Great Britain,” a BBF spokesperson has told The Guardian.

Super League Basketball, which was operating the men’s league under an interim licence for 2024–25, has been vocally opposed to the GBBL deal and insists it has the right to continue without BBF approval.

The clubs have publicly stated their intent to continue operating next season, stating they were advised not to enter a bid due to concerns over the legality of the process.

While Peacock has reportedly suggested that an independent mediator could be brought in if investigations do not lead to formal action, there is no indication yet that either side is preparing to back down.

With the new GBBL league not launching until 2026–27, the 2025–26 season remains an unknown, raising major questions about the Federation’s judgement being willing to award a license to an alternate group without clubs knowing full well there could be no officially licensed league next season.

As things stand, British basketball faces the possibility of a split professional structure, ongoing legal tensions, and potential disruption to the sport’s public funding.

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