Rebuilding British Basketball — One Honest Look at a Complex Situation

In the first ever BBFA Fan Voices submission, Mitch Simpson shares his perspective on the landscape of British basketball, what needs to change, and why.

I’ve worn a few hats in British basketball: player, coach, and behind-the-scenes operator. I’ve worked with the Caledonia Gladiators as an intern, gameday manager, and team manager during their trophy-winning season and their first step into Europe. I’ve coached senior men’s basketball in Scotland’s top tier and engaged directly with people across the country, and the continent, through basketball.

I’ve also shared my views as a contributor to the SLB Show podcast. But at my core, I’m just a fan who wants to see the sport thrive.

Where We Are and What’s Not Working

We’re now in the middle of a power struggle between the BBF and SLB. The BBF has handed the licence for the future pro league to GBBL, a group with no clubs or domestic infrastructure. SLB, made up of nine existing clubs, says it will continue without the licence.

This leaves fans, players, and coaches in limbo. What does next season look like? What does it mean for development, recognition, and opportunity?

From my experience, I want to offer some thoughts — not to argue sides, but to suggest solutions.

What I Believe the BBF Should Do

• Unify the sport: Merge home nations into one governing body, with regional offices for delivery.

• Be transparent: Publish the details of the tender process — who was on the panel, and why GBBL was chosen.

• Share GBBL’s proposal: What are their actual plans? What guarantees are in place?

• Pause implementation: Let SLB operate for three more seasons while a transparent, fair, evidence-based review takes place.

• Prioritise British talent: Rebuild the pro league’s licence criteria to emphasise homegrown player development.

• Clarify the pathway: Develop and publish a national framework for talent, coaching, and officiating.

The goal isn’t delay, it’s accountability. A 15-year licence should be earned through proven ideas, not vague promises.

What I Believe SLB Should Improve

To their credit, SLB launched a league under immense pressure. But moving forward, change is needed:

• Restructure the playoffs: A six-team format would create more competitive tension.

• Revise the import rules: Base limits on the number of domestic players you develop — not arbitrary caps.

• Lock financial and eligibility rules pre-season: No mid-season changes.

• Introduce injury allowances: Allow a limited number of import replacements for season-ending injuries.

• Split and stagger scheduling: Avoid repetitive matchups, boost visibility, and create better rhythm.

• Establish an independent league governance body: Separate club owners from disciplinary, regulatory, and competition decisions.

Why This Matters

Two things must be avoided at all costs:

1. Changing the rules mid-season, which undermines trust and preparation

2. Boredom from repetition, which dampens fan engagement and team narratives

SLB has done a lot right under pressure, but it needs better planning and governance if it wants to be sustainable — and if it wants fans to fully buy in.

Final Thought

We’re all here because we love this sport. But right now, we’re dancing on the edge of instability. The choices made now will shape British basketball for the next decade. Not just in contracts, but in culture.

We need clarity. We need long-term thinking. We need governing bodies and league operators who value the fans, players, coaches, and communities behind the game, Not just the numbers on a balance sheet.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the official position of the British Basketball Fans Association (BBFA). We believe fans deserve a voice in the future of the sport and this platform exists to make that possible.

If you’d like to contribute to our Fan Voices series, message us via social media. We’d love to hear your perspective.