MEN’S LEAGUE LICENCE UPDATE – BRITISH BASKETBALL FEDERATION STATEMENT
PROGRESS TOWARDS AWARD OF LONG-TERM MEN’S PREMIER PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE LICENCE AS PREFERRED BIDDER IS ANNOUNCED
The British Basketball Federation (BBF) today confirms that the tender process to identify a long-term operator of the premier men’s professional basketball league in Great Britain has entered a new phase.
The BBF Board has agreed to grant “preferred bidder” status to a group led by former EuroLeague Acting CEO and Portland Trail Blazers President Marshall Glickman, together with Chris Dillavou and Arjun Metre who are experienced executives and investors in the sports, media and tech industries. The BBF and Glickman’s group have now entered an Exclusive Negotiating Period with the objective of finalising the terms of the prospective license.
The BBF Board’s unanimous decision is based on the recommendations of a panel comprising two independent experts and the Chair of the Federation’s Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, advised by Onside Law LLP. Alongside technical and other considerations, the panel’s rigorous assessment process included scrutiny of information concerning the source and availability of funds to implement the proposed business plan. Further due diligence will be conducted during the negotiating period.
The preferred bidder will now reach out to the nine clubs currently competing in the men’s professional league, to present its business plan and discuss how the league and clubs can work together going forward.
Chris Grant, Chair of the British Basketball Federation said:
“This is a pivotal moment as we work to fulfil British Basketball’s enormous potential. Basketball is the country’s second most-played team sport and the professional game has captured the attention and sparked the passion of Britons of all backgrounds. Marshall Glickman’s group bring huge basketball and business knowhow. They have embraced the vision of British Basketball as a force for good, which can already be seen in the substantial contributions made by the existing professional clubs in their communities. We’re excited at the prospect of growing the game and unleashing basketball’s power to deliver social and economic impact.”
He added:
“Together with the increased support for our GB performance programmes recently announced by UK Sport and our collaboration with the Home Countries to identify, develop and support talented young players, the development of a strong and successful professional league will turbocharge the growth and success of British Basketball.”
Marshall Glickman, CEO of the preferred bidder group said:
“We are humbled by the British Basketball Federation’s decision to select our group as the preferred bidder to operate and invest in the growth of Great Britain’s top-tier men’s professional basketball league for the long-term. The clubs, players and fans are the future of British Basketball and we will work alongside the existing stakeholders to help shape the most competitive, entertaining and financially sustainable basketball league possible. We look forward to working with the BBF to cross the finish line.
Further information will be provided once negotiations are complete.
Media contact information
media@gb.basketball