British Basketball League saved by a government bailout

Professional basketball will resume in Britain this month after Government gave the sport’s leaders sufficient reassurances that it would receive a coronavirus bail-out.

Four months ago, the government rejected an application from the British Basketball League for a £1 million rescue loan amid fears clubs were on the brink of going bust. The government has now changed its mind and given reassurances so the BBL can resume behind closed doors on October 30.

All this after the BBL submitted a whole-sport application last month for a bail-out, the bulk based on losses BBL clubs expected to make if forced to play an entire season behind closed doors.