Controversial League Basketball Stands Firm on Proceeding with Season Despite Ref's Objection
MLB Basketball Season Kicks Off Amidst Controversy
The much-anticipated second season of the Super League Basketball (SLB) is set to begin this weekend, but not without controversy. The league has found itself embroiled in a dispute with the British Basketball Federation (BBF) over various issues, including the alleged warning of referees not to officiate in SLB games.
The SLB claims that some referees have received communications from the BBF suggesting potential action from Fiba if they officiate in SLB competitions. This allegation has been vehemently denied by the BBF, who assert that they have only offered guidance on Fiba rules.
The BBF awarded a 15-year contract to US operator GBBL earlier this year, a move that has been met with criticism by the SLB. The agreement, if not voided, would mean that SLB would not receive the 'recognized' status it needs to return to the Fiba ecosystem. The SLB argues that the tender process did not comply with competition law.
GBBL admitted this week that its new league will not start until 2027, leaving the SLB in a precarious position. To address the shortfall in officials, SLB is planning to establish a Referee Academy to develop referees and provide a direct opportunity for them to officiate at the top level in the UK. The SLB Referee Academy is already in contact with potential referees.
If there are no qualified referees from the SLB Referee Academy, the league will hire referees from the Swiss Basketball Referee Department for game supervision starting from September 19th. SLB urges the BBF to provide clarity to the referees as a matter of urgency.
The dispute between SLB and BBF is not limited to refereeing issues. There have been long-standing issues around the development of referee pathways in the UK at all levels. The two organisations have also clashed over clubs' eligibility to sign overseas players.
The second season of SLB is taking place despite Sheffield Sharks owner Vaughn Millette being forced to step down as interim chair of SLB due to allegations of racism against one referee. Millette had to apologise for the allegations.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the SLB remains committed to furthering its efforts to help solve the problem of a shortage of officials and to provide a platform for the development of homegrown talent.
