British basketball has been thrown a crucial lifeline after the global governing body, FIBA, granted official recognition to the UK's Super League Basketball (SLB). This pivotal decision, confirmed on Thursday, 6th November 2025, ends a period of turmoil and immediately lifts the ban on the Great Britain men's team, allowing them to compete in the upcoming 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
A New Era for British Basketball
The recognition from FIBA marks a definitive end to the conflict that had plagued the sport. The move comes after the British Basketball Federation (BBF) was suspended for failing to resolve internal divisions. Sanjay Bhandari, the interim independent chair of Super League Basketball, had previously rejected a compromise offer from the BBF in a letter sent on Monday, signalling SLB's determination to secure a separate, sustainable future for the sport.
Bhandari stated that the league had been "working quietly and diligently to secure a sustainable and positive pathway for top-flight basketball in the UK." He expressed gratitude to FIBA for their cooperation, adding, "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."
Path Cleared for Growth and Talent
This official licensing is transformative for the league's ambitions. It allows SLB clubs to fully focus on their core objectives: nurturing homegrown talent, developing better venues, and expanding their reach both within the UK and internationally. Furthermore, a significant practical barrier has been removed. The Great Britain Basketball League has committed to not hindering SLB clubs by lobbying the Home Office to withhold Governing Body Endorsements (GBEs), which are crucial for signing overseas players.
The immediate and most celebrated consequence is the reinstatement of the Great Britain men's team. Bhandari confirmed the league's support, saying, "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."
Looking Ahead with Ambition
With the governance chaos now resolved, Super League Basketball can accelerate its plans to establish itself as a major sports organisation. Bhandari described the recognition as "transformative," enabling plans to "drive SLB forward as an ambitious, high-growth sports organisation... at pace."
The league now looks to the future with renewed excitement, pledging to work closely with FIBA, UK Sport, and the UK Government to ensure basketball finally achieves the success and recognition it deserves across the nation.
