Basketball England Halts Leadership Hunt Following Governance Crisis
The collapse of the British Basketball Federation into liquidation has forced Basketball England to suspend its search for a new chief executive, creating fresh uncertainty for the sport's future.
The English governing body, which focuses primarily on increasing participation and identifying talent, is now expected to absorb many of the functions previously managed by the BBF. This includes the crucial responsibility of managing the Great Britain men's and women's national teams.
Immediate Priorities and Leadership Vacuum
This significant expansion of duties is understood to be the direct cause for pausing the appointment of a permanent successor to Stewart Kellett, who departed the CEO role in June after nine years. The position has been filled on an interim basis for six months by Nigel Walker.
Despite the administrative turmoil, Basketball England confirmed a preferred candidate for the CEO role had been identified just last week. However, the precise future remit of the organisation and its new leader remains unclear, with ongoing discussions involving the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), various funding bodies, and the remnants of the BBF.
Focus on Forthcoming International Fixtures
In an official statement, Basketball England emphasised its immediate commitment to the sport's international commitments. The organisation stated that all efforts are currently directed towards ensuring the GB men's team meets its World Cup qualifier commitments later this month.
This follows the successful completion of the GB women's EuroBasket qualifiers, which concluded with a victory over Norway on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.
The top priority for national chiefs is now preparing the GB men's team for their upcoming match against Lithuania at the Copper Box on 27 November, followed by an away fixture against Iceland just three days later.
The organisation has also pledged to work with partners to support any interim arrangements while a long-term solution for the sport's governance and the GB programme is negotiated.
The BBF's demise was confirmed last Friday, 14 November 2025, when it announced it was entering liquidation. This followed a protracted and acrimonious legal dispute with Super League Basketball concerning a licence to operate the UK's top domestic division.
