Debate within SLB and BBF: Distinguished Legal Minds, Sharp Rebuttals, and the European Super League
The UK basketball landscape is in a state of flux, as the High Court legal battle between Super League Basketball (SLB) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) continues. SLB, the organisation running the domestic top-flight league, is suing the BBF over the removal of their licence and alleges that the BBF engaged in an illegal tender process that violated UK competition law and international basketball rules.
SLB claims that the BBF unfairly blocked work permit applications for overseas players and refused to support their clubs with visa sponsorships, which they argue is anti-competitive and harmful to the growth of professional basketball in the UK. The BBF, in response, has accused SLB of making "repeated threats of litigation reliant on baseless allegations."
The legal team representing SLB is expected to lean heavily on the European Court of Justice's landmark decision regarding football's aborted European Super League. Notable figures assisting SLB include Barrister Paul Harris KC, known as "by a distance the best sports KC in the country," and Junior barrister Ciar McAndrew from Monckton Chambers. SLB has also enlisted the help of Magic Circle law firm Freshfields, which acted for four Premier League clubs in the ESL case.
The BBF, on the other hand, has counter-sued SLB, with SLB insisting the claim is confected and has no merit. Ravi Mehta of Blackstone Chambers and Rowan Stennett have been instructed by the BBF in the legal battle against SLB. GBBL, a defendant in the legal action, has refrained from public comment and is being represented by Rosenblatt Law.
The case is shaping up to be the latest instalment of sport's dance with competition law. If the High Court rules in SLB's favour, the BBF's 15-year contract with GBBL could be voided, potentially paving the way for SLB to resume operations. This legal battle remains relevant due to SLB's claim that it is being punished for running a league competing with the BBF-backed GBBL.
Meanwhile, the NBA is also laying the groundwork for an NBA Europe league, which would feature new franchises in both cities. NBA chiefs have been in London this week to agree on the return of regular season games to the capital and Manchester in the next 18 months.
FIBA, the world governing body of basketball whose member BBF is, is currently monitoring the dispute but has not intervened, stating it is a domestic matter. The case remains bitter, with both sides continuing to release statements publicly.
In summary, the legal battle between SLB and BBF is an ongoing court case with SLB challenging BBF’s licensing decisions and alleging anti-competitive conduct, while BBF maintains it followed correct procedures in awarding an exclusive licence to the US consortium for a new league.
- The ongoing legal battle between Super League Basketball (SLB) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) has heightened as SLB competes in the sports business sphere, arguing that the BBF's actions violated both UK competition law and international basketball rules, alongside allegations of anti-competitive practices such as blocking work permit applications for overseas players.
- The sports-analysis community keenly follows this development, as the outcome of the High Court battle could have profound impacts on the domestic basketball landscape, particularly concerning the GBBL's 15-year contract and SLB's potential resurgence in competition.
- In another sports-related development, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is venturing into European business by planning the launch of an NBA Europe league, featuring new franchises in London and other cities, all while keeping a watchful eye on this significant UK sports-finance dispute between SLB and the BBF.
