Basketball England has taken the decision to cancel all affiliated basketball activity for the remainder of the 2019/20 season because of the coronavirus pandemic. We would like to thank all our Merry Men for their support this season and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.
This action has been taken in consultation with the BBL, WBBL, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales, BUCS and the AoC Sport and comes in light of increased measures to fight the spread of the virus issued by government on Monday.
It means the following activities are cancelled:
- Basketball England’s leagues; NBL, affiliated Local Leagues, Jr. NBA, the EABL, WEABL and ABL Finals, the Dynamik National Schools competitions.
- England national team activity, talent programmes including Aspire, Basketball England education courses.
If the situation and government advice changes, and there is opportunity to reinstate any basketball activity, we will consider this. Further information is provided in the FAQs below.
We will continuously monitor the situation and review the position to restart activity and gear up for the 2020/21 season and provide an update no later than 28 April 2020.
Stewart Kellett, CEO at Basketball England, said:
“Basketball England is here to serve and protect its members. We know from feedback over the weekend that the basketball community want the governing body to protect people. We also know that people want to play and stay involved and are disappointed with the cancellation, but we have to do what is right for the greater good of the country, to help stop the spread of the virus. We are very grateful for support on this matter.
“Basketball England will provide advice and support to clubs and our members that need it.”
A policy on how the final NBL tables will be concluded is being considered and will be communicated on or before 27 March 2020.
Further enquiries – contact details
National League clubs: nationalleague@basketballengland.co.uk
National teams: Further announcements will be made in due course.
Talent programme players/coaches: Talent@basketballengland.co.uk
Local leagues: Teams should contact your local league organiser, league secretaries should contact BE Relationship and Co-ordination managers – David Dunwell (North West, North East), Sam Lewis (West Mids, South West, South) or Laura Doherty (East, East Midlands, London, South East, Yorkshire).
Officials: For NBL competitions, Assignr has been updated with all games cancelled. Please accept the cancelled game on Assignr so we know you are aware that the game has been cancelled. Clubs are asked to contact any officials they have appointed directly.
