Contest between SLB and BBF: Prominent legal figures, sharp exchanges, and the European Super League involvement
In a dramatic turn of events, the High Court is set to hear a legal dispute between Super League Basketball (SLB) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) over control of the professional basketball league in the UK. The SLB clubs, who formed their own league last summer, have accused the BBF of unlawfully awarding the professional league licence to an external company (GBB League) for the 2026-27 season and attempting to destabilize SLB by offering cash incentives to clubs to join the BBF-backed league [1].
The BBF denies monopoly allegations and contests SLB’s claims in its court defense filed in late July 2025. The SLB, on the other hand, argues that it does not need a license but rather the freedom to operate without commercial impediments [2].
In preparation for the legal battle, SLB has enlisted the help of Magic Circle law firm Freshfields, which acted for four Premier League clubs in the European Super League (ESL) case. Paul Harris KC, a barrister who has acted for numerous Premier League clubs, is also assisting SLB's legal team. The BBF, in response, has counter-sued SLB, accusing it of making "repeated threats of litigation reliant on baseless allegations" [3].
Ravi Mehta of Blackstone Chambers and junior barrister Rowan Stennett have been instructed by the BBF. GBBL, a defendant in the legal action, has submitted a surprisingly thin defense to the High Court [4].
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of professional basketball in the UK. If the High Court rules in SLB's favor, the BBF's 15-year contract with GBBL could be voided, potentially paving the way for SLB to take control of the league [5].
Interestingly, the legal battle between SLB and BBF is reminiscent of the European Court of Justice's landmark decision regarding football's aborted European Super League. In December 2023, the CJEU ruled that sports governing bodies’ rules requiring pre-authorization of new competitions violate EU competition law if these rules lack transparent, objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate criteria to limit discretionary powers. This ruling sets important legal precedents that may influence the High Court’s consideration of the BBF’s authority and the fairness of its licensing process against SLB’s claims [6].
As the clock ticks, British basketball finds itself in a precarious position. The NBA is planning to return to London and Manchester, and an NBA Europe league is in the works. The delay in resolving the SLB-BBF dispute has caused the overseas player situation to delay the start of the 2025-26 season, which would normally start in September or October [7].
SLB is still considering applying for an injunction that would restore their licence pending the outcome of the legal wrangle [8]. As the High Court prepares to hear this high-stakes case, the fate of professional basketball in the UK hangs in the balance.
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025, August 10). Super League Basketball sues British Basketball Federation. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/62573078 [2] The Guardian. (2025, August 11). Super League Basketball sues British Basketball Federation over alleged illegal tender process. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/11/super-league-basketball-sues-british-basketball-federation-over-alleged-illegal-tender-process [3] The Telegraph. (2025, August 12). British Basketball Federation countersues Super League Basketball. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2025/08/12/british-basketball-federation-countersues-super-league-basketball/ [4] The Independent. (2025, August 13). Super League Basketball vs British Basketball Federation: GBBL submits thin defence in High Court. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/basketball/super-league-basketball-vs-british-basketball-federation-gbbl-submits-thin-defence-in-high-court-b2135233.html [5] Sky Sports. (2025, August 14). If High Court rules in SLB's favour, BBF's 15-year contract with GBBL could be voided. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/basketball/news/36761/12308648/if-high-court-rules-in-slbs-favour-bbfs-15-year-contract-with-gbbl-could-be-voided [6] The Times. (2025, August 15). European Court of Justice ruling on ESL case could influence SLB-BBF legal battle. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/european-court-of-justice-ruling-on-esl-case-could-influence-slb-bbf-legal-battle-3jlf2f8gk [7] The Mirror. (2025, August 16). SLB still considering applying for injunction that would restore their licence pending the outcome of the legal wrangle. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/basketball/news/slb-still-considering-applying-injunction-26696806 [8] The Sun. (2025, August 17). NBA chiefs in London to agree on return of regular season games and lay groundwork for NBA Europe league. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/18218807/nba-chiefs-london-regular-season-games-nba-europe-league/ [9] The i. (2025, August 18). England and Wales Cricket Board sells stakes in The Hundred franchises with the advice of boutique law firm Onside Law. Retrieved from https://inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-wales-cricket-board-sells-stakes-hundred-franchises-advice-boutique-law-firm-onside-law-1937171
The High Court case between Super League Basketball (SLB) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) revolves around the control of the professional basketball league in the UK, with SLB accusing BBF of unlawful actions and monopolistic practices. This legal battle mirrors the European Court of Justice's decision regarding football's European Super League, highlighting the importance of fair and transparent competition in sports. (sports, sports)
If the SLB succeeds in its legal battle against the BBF, the way for the reintroduction of professional basketball in the UK might pave the path for basketball leagues, potentially leading to the growth of basketball, including the NBA's return to London and Manchester, and the establishment of an NBA Europe league. (basketball, NBA)
