basketballscotland is pleased to support the launch of British Championship Basketball (BCB) — a new second-tier league designed to strengthen the competition structure across Great Britain and provide more opportunities for homegrown talent to thrive.
Announced jointly by the British Basketball Federation (BBF) and the three Home Country Associations — basketballscotland, Basketball England, and Basketball Wales — BCB marks an exciting step forward for the sport, aligning with national ambitions to grow sustainably and raise performance standards.
A Platform for Progression
The new league will initially comprise 14 English clubs, with spaces open for up to four Scottish or Welsh teams. BCB aims to become a truly national league, offering a high-level competition platform for British players as they progress through the development pathway toward GB representation.
To support the development of domestic talent, the league will gradually reduce the number of foreign players permitted per team, targeting a model of three overseas players and nine British-qualified players on the bench by the 2026/27 season.
Scottish Representation and Opportunity
basketballscotland Interim Chair Craig Chambers welcomed the announcement:
“We welcome the creation of British Championship Basketball as a positive step forward for the sport across Great Britain. This initiative offers an exciting opportunity for Scottish clubs to compete at a higher level within a truly national structure. It strengthens the development pathway for our players, coaches and officials, and reinforces our shared commitment to growing the British game in a sustainable and collaborative way.”
Structure and Governance
BCB will be licensed by the BBF and operated by a company owned by the participating clubs. An independent Chair and board members will be elected by the clubs, while each Home Country Association will nominate a director to ensure close alignment and ongoing collaboration.
The league’s goals include:
- Increasing competitive standards
- Enhancing financial stability and commercial appeal
- Improving the experience for players, coaches, officials, and fans
Following an initial two-year period, promotion and relegation will be introduced via play-offs involving clubs from Scotland, England, and Wales. The first season of British Championship Basketball will begin in September 2025, with the fixture list to be confirmed shortly.
Learn More
📄 Read the full press release here.
