The British Basketball League (BBL) are pleased to confirm that all ten of
their existing Franchises have committed to participating in BBL
Competitions for the 2007/08 season.
Furthermore, negotiations are ongoing with a further eight potential
franchises regarding their participation in BBL Competitions next season.
With many of the negotiations at an advanced stage it is anticipated that
the first announcements, following consultation with the appropriate
governing body, will be made shortly.
With agreement from England Basketball (EB), the sports Governing Body,
BBL will be expanding to 16 franchises. Potential franchise applications
have to meet set criteria for both on and off the court activities,
including long term sustainability and community involvement.
BBL Chairman Paul Blake explained: “Whilst we are keen to reach our target
of 16 teams as quickly as possible we will not compromise on the standard
of franchise permitted to enter the League simply for a quick fix. There
are now clear signs of growth around the BBL and the Sport as a whole –
exciting times lay ahead for Sport and the BBL as the professional
league”.
The BBL eagerly awaits the findings of governmental Mallin Review of
Basketball and looks forward to the positive progress that can be made
under the implementation of the findings of the independent review.
The BBL operates the men’s professional league in the UK on an exclusive
basis via its contract with EB