The British Basketball Federation and British Basketball League agreed to terms for a "landmark" ten-year license agreement, according to Sam Neter of HOOPS FIX. The organizations hope the deal "paves the way" for the long-term development of the professional men's game in the U.K. The deal is "designed to allow the BBL's clubs the security to build for a long-term future, whilst setting demanding performance standards in commercial, financial, player pathway, coaching and other areas, that the league will be held accountable to." Some of the new performance standards include:
- Minimum salary levels for players.
- Clubs having to invest at least £75,000 ($96,500) into their "player pathway."
- Having four junior teams as well as a "partnership with a local university and academy."
- Teams needing to be "long-term anchor tenants at their chosen venue."
- Playing on "clean wooden floors."
- Enhanced player welfare (HOOPS FIX, 8/18).
MVP247's Mark Woods reported the agreement will run from the start of the new campaign and see the 12 teams pay an annual fee to the governing body that will contribute toward "running the various national sides as well as plotting a more coherent structure from top to bottom." An independent board will reportedly be established with representatives from the BBF, BBL and non-affiliated members with the power to impose sanctions, including expulsion, on clubs or individuals who "fall foul of the tougher rules." A source said, "No longer will teams be judge and jury on themselves. It will control accountability with targets set over periods of four, seven and ten years" (MVP247, 8/18).