British basketball could be staring at a talent drought in the next decade if a bitter feud between the country’s top professional league and its governing body isn’t resolved soon.
Rising stars like Brooklyn Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan, who grew up through the Newcastle Eagles Academy, could see their path to the NBA blocked as a high-stakes legal battle heads to the High Court.
Andy Webb, COO of Super League Basketball (SLB), describes the situation as “critical.”
“Tosan represents the kind of talent that comes through our system,” he said.
“Clubs like Newcastle have invested over 30 years in nurturing homegrown players.
If they aren’t allowed to operate fairly, we risk losing the next generation of British basketball stars.”
SLB and BBF at Loggerheads
The conflict between SLB and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) has been simmering since last autumn.
The tension escalated after a controversial tender process, with the BBF refusing to recognize SLB’s status and trying to block clubs from recruiting overseas players or competing in FIBA-accredited European competitions.
Earlier this year, the BBF granted a 15-year exclusive licence to the Great British Basketball League (GBBL), led by Marshall Glickman.
SLB responded by taking legal action, claiming the BBF’s move breaches both UK competition law and international basketball regulations.
Legal Battle Intensifies
SLB is represented by London law firm Freshfields, which argues that the BBF is undermining the growth and development of British basketball.
The BBF, however, has launched a counterclaim through Onside Law, the firm behind The Hundred cricket franchise sales, asserting that it has acted responsibly as a national governing body and in line with its FIBA obligations.
“It’s about protecting a player pathway that has consistently produced homegrown talent and worked closely with the national federation,” said Paul Blake, owner of the Newcastle Eagles.
“Blocking clubs from signing overseas talent or competing internationally will ultimately affect player development.”
SLB Stands Firm as Season Approaches
Despite the legal storm, SLB plans to kick off the domestic season as scheduled next month, with fixtures confirmed last week.
The league emphasizes that its goal is a fair and level playing field, not to obstruct rival leagues.
Blake stressed: “We have no issue with BBF licensing another league.
But none of SLB’s nine franchises will join Glickman’s GBBL venture, which currently has no clubs or venues.
All we want is the chance to build on decades of work in loyal basketball communities.”
As the High Court prepares to hear the case, the future of British basketball’s talent pipeline and its status as a breeding ground for both players and coaches hangs in the balance.
