This landmark decision marks a significant breakthrough for the sport across the UK and allows SLB and its member clubs to accelerate ambitious plans to nurture talent, enhance venues, and expand the top tier league’s reach both domestically and internationally.
Crucially, FIBA’s recognition also lifts the ban on Great Britain’s men’s national team competing on the international stage. In that regard SLB will play a pivotal role in the staging of Great Britain’s FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers fixture on 27 November, reinforcing the league’s ongoing commitment to supporting elite national programmes.
Sanjay Bhandari MBE, Interim Independent Chair of Super League Basketball, said:
“We have been working quietly and diligently to secure a sustainable and positive pathway for top-flight basketball in the UK. We extend our thanks to the leaders of FIBA’s Task Force for their cooperation and continued support throughout this process.
“Together, we have reached a solution that gives our clubs the confidence they deserve and provides our fans with peace of mind after a challenging period for the sport.
“We are delighted to support Marc Steutel and the GB Men’s team in their upcoming qualification campaign. SLB has a proud history of backing our national teams, and that commitment remains unwavering.
“FIBA’s recognition is transformative and means that our plans to drive SLB forward as an ambitious, high-growth sports organisation can progress at pace.
“We look ahead with excitement as we work closely with FIBA, UK Sport, and the UK Government to ensure the sport achieves the success it deserves across all areas.”
The 2025/26 SLB season tipped off as scheduled in September, with clubs continuing to compete at home and abroad throughout the recent period of uncertainty.
FIBA imposed a suspension on the British Basketball Federation’s (BBF) authority to license domestic men’s club competitions earlier this year. After deploying a Task Force to the UK and consulting with all relevant stakeholders, FIBA determined that recognising SLB directly represented the most effective step in safeguarding the stability and integrity of the sport.
FIBA commented:
“To ensure the stability and continuity of top-tier men’s basketball in Great Britain during this period of suspension, FIBA has entered into a direct recognition agreement with Super League Basketball.
“This agreement provides a framework for the organisation and governance of domestic competitions while preserving regulatory integrity.
“FIBA, through its Task Force, will continue to work closely with BBF and all relevant stakeholders, including UK Sport and the UK Government, to support BBF in becoming a self-sustaining organisation and to secure the long-term stability and growth of men’s basketball in Great Britain.”
Super League Basketball welcomes this new chapter and remains committed to building a thriving, unified future for the sport across the UK.
