BBL season to start on October 30 after basketball receives Government bailout

The BBL - the elite level of basketball in Britain - lobbied Government for a grant that would enable them to begin their season, and it was revealed on Friday that they have been successful.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has assured the BBL that appropriate support will be made available to those spectator sports affected by the Government’s announcement that fans would not be allowed back into sports venues from October 1.

The Government bailout for basketball is understood to be seven figures, enough to ensure the season can commence on October 30 behind closed doors.

The BBL say full details of the support expected from the Government is still to be confirmed.

It will be the first action in the league since the sport was shutdown in March, prompting the cancellation of the 2019-2020 season.

Sir Rodney, chairman of the BBL, said: “We extend our thanks to Oliver Dowden, Nigel Huddleston, and DCMS for their swift response in the wake of the decision to not allow fans back into sports venues.

“This support comes in recognition of the immense work our clubs have done in preparation for the 2020-21 season, not only for competition but also in terms of the extensive work they do in their communities.”

Had it not been for the bailout, the sport would not have been able to resume without fans with its 11 clubs all reliant on gate receipts to help pay wages for full- and part-time players and staff members.

To that end, the league hopes to be welcoming fans back into arenas early in the new year.

A BBL statement read: “BBL and DCMS have been in urgent dialogue since the announcement by the Prime Minister that the planned return of fans to sports venues on October 1 would not be happening.

“The BBL season had been due to start on October 2 with the announcement making a significant impact on the financial viability of the clubs who rely on ticket income throughout the season.”