Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 22 September that spectators would not be allowed back into sports venues, Basketball England has, along with the BBL, been in urgent dialogue with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to determine the level of support Government could provide for BBL and NBL clubs to offset the lack crowd income.
“Since the Government’s restrictions came into place, BE has collaborated with partners to engage with DCMS and the wider Government about the significant issues caused by recent decisions.
“Although we don’t know the level of financial support forthcoming, and it will be based on genuine losses incurred by clubs because of lack of fan income, we are encouraged by the discussions and the opportunity to state a case for the game and pleased the situation has given the BBL the confidence to start their season.”
Basketball England has, along with Netball England and Volleyball England, also been in conversation with DCMS and has written to the Prime Minister to seek urgent clarification of the rationale behind the decision halt non-elite adult indoor team sport – a move which is having a hugely negative affect on basketball.
We will keep pressing to get support and keep our members up to date on any developments that affect the game.
