The Great Britain men's basketball team has escaped the brink of collapse, but the sport still teeters on the edge. The suspension by Fiba, due to governance failures and financial mismanagement by the British Basketball Federation (BBF), sent shockwaves through the community. Head coach Marc Steutel described it as "getting hit with a sledgehammer," capturing the devastating impact on those involved.
The crisis began when 777 Partners, a major investor in the sport, collapsed due to financial struggles, leading to the collapse of the British Basketball League (BBL). The subsequent power struggle between the BBF and Super League Basketball (SLB), which manages the top tier, nearly derailed international competition. Fiba stepped in, investigating governance issues before imposing sanctions that included suspending the GB team.
The sport's grassroots scene remains vibrant, with over 2,000 young players participating weekly. However, many are left frustrated by the recurring problems at elite level. Drew Lasker, a former professional player and current broadcaster, expressed exhaustion with the situation, citing inadequate leadership as the root of the issue. Others point fingers at individuals but acknowledge desperation among those clinging to power.
With the NBA planning to launch an Europe-based league in 2027, including potential London and Manchester franchises, the timing could be a turning point for British basketball. Sanjay Bhandari, SLB's interim chair, emphasizes the need for governance reform, admitting that the crisis highlights "the risks and dangers of insufficiently challenging governance." Marc Steutel agrees that change is essential, with performance, commercial, administrative, and financial aspects needing to be addressed.
As the team prepares to face Lithuania in an international window match, players seem focused on putting the recent turmoil behind them. Josh Ward-Hibbert, a GB guard, acknowledged the uncertainty but emphasized the team's unity and commitment to performing well. The fact that they are even competing is progress in itself, given the major concerns earlier this month.
The Great Britain men's basketball team's escape from disaster could be an opportunity for growth and reform. However, the road ahead will require significant changes in governance and leadership to prevent similar crises in the future.
The crisis began when 777 Partners, a major investor in the sport, collapsed due to financial struggles, leading to the collapse of the British Basketball League (BBL). The subsequent power struggle between the BBF and Super League Basketball (SLB), which manages the top tier, nearly derailed international competition. Fiba stepped in, investigating governance issues before imposing sanctions that included suspending the GB team.
The sport's grassroots scene remains vibrant, with over 2,000 young players participating weekly. However, many are left frustrated by the recurring problems at elite level. Drew Lasker, a former professional player and current broadcaster, expressed exhaustion with the situation, citing inadequate leadership as the root of the issue. Others point fingers at individuals but acknowledge desperation among those clinging to power.
With the NBA planning to launch an Europe-based league in 2027, including potential London and Manchester franchises, the timing could be a turning point for British basketball. Sanjay Bhandari, SLB's interim chair, emphasizes the need for governance reform, admitting that the crisis highlights "the risks and dangers of insufficiently challenging governance." Marc Steutel agrees that change is essential, with performance, commercial, administrative, and financial aspects needing to be addressed.
As the team prepares to face Lithuania in an international window match, players seem focused on putting the recent turmoil behind them. Josh Ward-Hibbert, a GB guard, acknowledged the uncertainty but emphasized the team's unity and commitment to performing well. The fact that they are even competing is progress in itself, given the major concerns earlier this month.
The Great Britain men's basketball team's escape from disaster could be an opportunity for growth and reform. However, the road ahead will require significant changes in governance and leadership to prevent similar crises in the future.
Just can't believe what happened with GB mens basketball team 
. 777 Partners collapse had a ripple effect and led to this whole mess 
. But you know what? On the bright side, grassroots scene is still thriving 
! Over 2k young players are still passionate about the game 
. And I think NBA Europe league launch in 2027 could be a wake-up call for British basketball 
. They gotta clean up governance and leadership ASAP or else it's gonna be tough to compete 
. Drew Lasker is speaking truth, leadership issues are at the root of all this 
. Fingers crossed they can put past behind them and focus on competing 
... like who needs that kinda drama? 
but seriously tho, 2000 young players still rockin the grassroots scene, thats what matters 
. Like, who's in charge here? And how do we know they're even doing things right? 
.
), we need some serious changes behind the scenes 
. Governance reform needs to happen ASAP 
yaaas!! i'm so glad to hear that the GB men's hoops team is bouncing back from that crazy suspension 
can you believe the UK men's hoops team is still standing after that crazy suspension 
. I mean, who needs governance failures and financial mismanagement when you're trying to make hoops happen? 
. I mean, can't we all just get along and make hoops happen? 
Maybe this suspension is the wake-up call UK hoops needs to clean up its act 
Fiba taking action on governance issues is a step in right direction. UK gov't/BBF need to get their act together 
️. can't have brits getting left behind in the europe hoops scene.
. They're still trying to focus on playing well, but it's hard when there are so many unknowns going on behind the scenes. The fact that they're even competing is a win in itself, right? 
️
. The governance failures are totally unacceptable, and it's amazing that Fiba stepped in to save them from total collapse 
. 
. We need more accountability, more transparency, and more forward-thinking leaders who can actually make things happen 
. 
The fact that Fiba had to step in is crazy, right? 
But at the same time, I'm glad they're focusing on unity and moving forward with their upcoming match against Lithuania... it's progress, I guess? 
As for the NBA launching an Europe-based league in 2027... that's like, super exciting? 
Maybe this is a chance for British basketball to turn things around? 
We'll just have to wait and see if they can get their act together! 
. but at the end of the day, the grassroots scene is still thriving with over 2k young players, so that's something to build on.
but it's also a reminder of how fragile the whole system is. so yeah, the road ahead is going to be tough, but if they can get their governance and leadership sorted out, maybe british hoops can start to flourish again 
Can't wait to see some decent hoops in London & Manchester!