|
|
Post by donthatetheplayer on Jun 17, 2024 15:05:48 GMT
As is being reported by Stuart Hodge today, this thread deserves its own audience and if even half true should shame all those at BBL Board level who have presided and enabled the collapse of our pro game. The implication is that something nefarious happened and right up until the Play Off Final in 2021 the other investors had all but inked the deal, for more cash and upfront. Then for reasons unknown, they are booted out in favour of 777. I think we all demand answers now from the previous BBL Board which comprises of some well established owners and figures within the BBL at that time. We all know who they are. The days of hiding are over. x.com/Hodgeythehack/status/1802603030765793330 |
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 17, 2024 17:51:00 GMT
As is being reported by Stuart Hodge today, this thread deserves its own audience and if even half true should shame all those at BBL Board level who have presided and enabled the collapse of our pro game. The implication is that something nefarious happened and right up until the Play Off Final in 2021 the other investors had all but inked the deal, for more cash and upfront. Then for reasons unknown, they are booted out in favour of 777. I think we all demand answers now from the previous BBL Board which comprises of some well established owners and figures within the BBL at that time. We all know who they are. The days of hiding are over. x.com/Hodgeythehack/status/1802603030765793330Don't think that's the case It says there was a deal to be done in 2019 777 didn't invest til December 2021 Which itself was a mad time to invest as we were in the midst of the pandemic But that's 777 for you They needed something to get investors to part with more money But for sure would be interesting to know what deal was available in 2019 and who from |
|
|
|
Post by donthatetheplayer on Jun 17, 2024 19:25:11 GMT
The 777 deal went public around Aug 21 and the other investors, let's call them "the Kuwaiti's" were in the mix for at least 2 years prior.
A meeting with them in May 21 was ready to be finalised and then abruptly cancelled. Why? Kevin Routledge, Yuri Matischen, Edward Lord, Rodney Walker, let's hear from you.
Stuart Hodge is correct in much of what he has stated by those in the know.
While it makes incredibly uncomfortable reading it will continue to do so as the fallout continues.
Sadly, this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better and some of the leading figures in the BBL are up their necks in it.
If the BBF are to approve any credible league going forward, they must dismiss any notion that those who presided over this disaster can have any board level involvement going forward.
|
|
|
|
Post by silverbirch on Jun 18, 2024 8:16:11 GMT
I heard that a couple of the teams were hesitant to sign up for the 777 deal and that was actually a more drawn out process that planned so that may have affected the timelines.
I believe Worcester were one of those unsure and eventually stepped aside before the deal was signed.
|
|
|
|
Post by dexter on Jun 18, 2024 8:55:38 GMT
I heard that a couple of the teams were hesitant to sign up for the 777 deal and that was actually a more drawn out process that planned so that may have affected the timelines. I believe Worcester were one of those unsure and eventually stepped aside before the deal was signed. Another reason to think there could be a chance of Worcester Wolves returning for BBL 2.0. I wouldn't expect them to announce anything until the current mess is cleared up. |
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 18, 2024 9:39:25 GMT
The 777 deal went public around Aug 21 and the other investors, let's call them "the Kuwaiti's" were in the mix for at least 2 years prior. A meeting with them in May 21 was ready to be finalised and then abruptly cancelled. Why? Kevin Routledge, Yuri Matischen, Edward Lord, Rodney Walker, let's hear from you. Stuart Hodge is correct in much of what he has stated by those in the know. While it makes incredibly uncomfortable reading it will continue to do so as the fallout continues. Sadly, this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better and some of the leading figures in the BBL are up their necks in it. If the BBF are to approve any credible league going forward, they must dismiss any notion that those who presided over this disaster can have any board level involvement going forward. The leading figures in BBL right now worth talking about imo are the owners of the clubs that are still able to trade We are reliant on them to create something we can watch moving forward Many of them have kept their clubs going for decades now through very uncertain and testing times Moaning about past decisions good or bad won't really help We just need the clubs that survive this to make something happen And we need to move forward not look backwards imo We can't turn the clock back And if you want a league where people like Kevin routledge aren't involved then you are likely looking at one without Riders As without him Riders wouldn't even exist right now We certainly wouldn't have our arena |
|
|
|
Post by foxtrot27 on Jun 18, 2024 10:13:34 GMT
I think we are all getting ahead of ourselves and believing in false hope. So we are looking at a 7 club new league that supposed to start in September? The fact there is no real communication strategy from the BBL's remaining clubs other than their joint statement on Friday, is shocking. There is basically no leadership among the remaining clubs. This proposed BBL 2.0 is dead in the water without a proactive communication strategy focussed on, players, fans, vendors, media partners etc. Also, who is leading this going forward because if its the BBF, I'm even more worried. It would be mental to attempt to relaunch in 2 months, especially without a robust strategy or new highly visible leadership. The existing team owners Routledge, Blake etc brought this onto themselves as they had to know what they were getting into. Sad state of affairs.
|
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 18, 2024 10:27:15 GMT
I think we are all getting ahead of ourselves and believing in false hope. So we are looking at a 7 club new league that supposed to start in September? The fact there is no real communication strategy from the BBL's remaining clubs other than their joint statement on Friday, is shocking. There is basically no leadership among the remaining clubs. This proposed BBL 2.0 is dead in the water without a proactive communication strategy focussed on, players, fans, vendors, media partners etc. Also, who is leading this going forward because if its the BBF, I'm even more worried. It would be mental to attempt to relaunch in 2 months, especially without a robust strategy or new highly visible leadership. The existing team owners Routledge, Blake etc brought this onto themselves as they had to know what they were getting into. Sad state of affairs. The league was already struggling before 777 And I'm sure there's meetings going on all the time But like you say yourself there's no easy fixes here A few of us have already said delaying the season might help Won't help for clubs already on the brink that will need some cashflow though |
|
|
|
Post by foxtrot27 on Jun 18, 2024 11:25:03 GMT
I think we are all getting ahead of ourselves and believing in false hope. So we are looking at a 7 club new league that supposed to start in September? The fact there is no real communication strategy from the BBL's remaining clubs other than their joint statement on Friday, is shocking. There is basically no leadership among the remaining clubs. This proposed BBL 2.0 is dead in the water without a proactive communication strategy focussed on, players, fans, vendors, media partners etc. Also, who is leading this going forward because if its the BBF, I'm even more worried. It would be mental to attempt to relaunch in 2 months, especially without a robust strategy or new highly visible leadership. The existing team owners Routledge, Blake etc brought this onto themselves as they had to know what they were getting into. Sad state of affairs. The league was already struggling before 777 And I'm sure there's meetings going on all the time But like you say yourself there's no easy fixes here A few of us have already said delaying the season might help Won't help for clubs already on the brink that will need some cashflow though Duly noted. Of the remaining 7 clubs, there is no real turnover maybe with exception of Eagles and Riders. And a few of them should consider dropping down to NBL and they are not viable businesses. Professional basketball is dying and unless new ideas, people, and vision……..we are looking at the last days of British basketball. |
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 18, 2024 11:28:57 GMT
Duly noted. Of the remaining 7 clubs, there is no real turnover maybe with exception of Eagles and Riders. And a few of them should consider dropping down to NBL and they are not viable businesses. Professional basketball is dying and unless new ideas, people, and vision……..we are looking at the last days of British basketball. Could you watch your team in a league of 5 for example playing the opposition 6 times each home and away? I think to a lot of fans it wouldnt matter Plus obviously playing each other a lot in cups and trophies |
|
|
|
Post by milehigh on Jun 18, 2024 11:42:33 GMT
A short season, say November to March might be a viable "rescue" year option, perhaps with a couple of weekend long all teams tournaments for a cup and trophy, followed by a "final four" weekend at a venue in the midlands.
The new league should, probably, have a strict salary cap and a limit of say 2 overseas players per club.
There are a number of reasons, including legal and financial, why it is not possible to do much marketing of a new league at the moment.
We all just need to wait until the "smoke clears".
|
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 18, 2024 11:46:33 GMT
A short season, say November to March might be a viable "rescue" year option, perhaps with a couple of weekend long all teams tournaments for a cup and trophy, followed by a "final four" weekend at a venue in the midlands. The new league should, probably, have a strict salary cap and a limit of say 2 overseas players per club. There are a number of reasons, including legal and financial, why it is not possible to do much marketing of a new league at the moment. We all just need to wait until the "smoke clears". Play the finals at Newcastle and/or Leicester or sheffield |
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 18, 2024 11:55:56 GMT
A short season, say November to March might be a viable "rescue" year option, perhaps with a couple of weekend long all teams tournaments for a cup and trophy, followed by a "final four" weekend at a venue in the midlands. The new league should, probably, have a strict salary cap and a limit of say 2 overseas players per club. There are a number of reasons, including legal and financial, why it is not possible to do much marketing of a new league at the moment. We all just need to wait until the "smoke clears". I think restricting overseas players too much just elevates the cost of what uk players demand |
|
|
|
Post by foxtrot27 on Jun 18, 2024 11:59:34 GMT
A short season, say November to March might be a viable "rescue" year option, perhaps with a couple of weekend long all teams tournaments for a cup and trophy, followed by a "final four" weekend at a venue in the midlands. The new league should, probably, have a strict salary cap and a limit of say 2 overseas players per club. There are a number of reasons, including legal and financial, why it is not possible to do much marketing of a new league at the moment. We all just need to wait until the "smoke clears". Without a proper PR plan, good luck convincing import players to come and play in a league that just collapsed. I would want my money upfront. News spreads fast. |
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 18, 2024 12:14:55 GMT
A short season, say November to March might be a viable "rescue" year option, perhaps with a couple of weekend long all teams tournaments for a cup and trophy, followed by a "final four" weekend at a venue in the midlands. The new league should, probably, have a strict salary cap and a limit of say 2 overseas players per club. There are a number of reasons, including legal and financial, why it is not possible to do much marketing of a new league at the moment. We all just need to wait until the "smoke clears". Without a proper PR plan, good luck convincing import players to come and play in a league that just collapsed. I would want my money upfront. News spreads fast. The good news is we could still have a more competitive and exciting league with lesser players |
|
|
|
Post by donthatetheplayer on Jun 18, 2024 13:58:07 GMT
Any new league should use the opportunity and perform a volte-face by using a scattering of imports and elevate some of our best of our younger British players who have been utterly overlooked in recent years and bring back some of the vets - Send out the SOS, you may be surprised who wants to get involved, play, whatever. Lean operations, low budgets across all teams and ensure all stakeholders feel they are on this journey. The abject failure over recent months, especially in recent days with fans is wholly unacceptable. Other comments here about lack of leadership or comms from the big clubs or anyone acting on their behalf as a spokesman are bang on, and the conspiracy of silence is reprehensible and a PR disaster so far. Hire someone to get in front of a camera if you can't do it yourself, get on the socials and start talking, even if you don't have a coherent plan. Fans will reward you with their support if they feel you are engaging.
|
|
|
|
Post by dexter on Jun 18, 2024 14:06:46 GMT
I think it's fair to assume any professional imports and most young talented British players will be playing overseas next season. But we should still have some familiar older Brits like Defoe and Will Neighbour. I guess bench warmers will become starters. I'm not sure what will happen to players like JWH and Depeche. Would they want to play overseas or stay in England and play semi pro?
I'm guessing ENBL is now out of the question for 2024/25?
|
|
|
|
Post by SamH on Jun 18, 2024 14:19:07 GMT
The league was already struggling before 777 And I'm sure there's meetings going on all the time But like you say yourself there's no easy fixes here A few of us have already said delaying the season might help Won't help for clubs already on the brink that will need some cashflow though Duly noted. Of the remaining 7 clubs, there is no real turnover maybe with exception of Eagles and Riders. And a few of them should consider dropping down to NBL and they are not viable businesses. Professional basketball is dying and unless new ideas, people, and vision……..we are looking at the last days of British basketball. That's a bit dramatic isn't it? BBL people need to give the NBL a go, the standard is generally good and not a million miles below the BBL. It might be the end of the top flight but there is still plenty of basketball to consume in this country. |
|
|
|
Post by irf on Jun 18, 2024 14:28:00 GMT
Any new league should use the opportunity and perform a volte-face by using a scattering of imports and elevate some of our best of our younger British players who have been utterly overlooked in recent years and bring back some of the vets - Send out the SOS, you may be surprised who wants to get involved, play, whatever. Lean operations, low budgets across all teams and ensure all stakeholders feel they are on this journey. The abject failure over recent months, especially in recent days with fans is wholly unacceptable. Other comments here about lack of leadership or comms from the big clubs or anyone acting on their behalf as a spokesman are bang on, and the conspiracy of silence is reprehensible and a PR disaster so far. Hire someone to get in front of a camera if you can't do it yourself, get on the socials and start talking, even if you don't have a coherent plan. Fans will reward you with their support if they feel you are engaging. Tbf the clubs got together and made joint statements immediately At least give them a few more days to figure out what to do and say next Like we've all said there's no quick or easy fixes here They need to make sure knee jerk decisions or plans don't make things worse rather than better Probably need joint statements for a while longer yet as well |
|
|
|
Post by dexter on Jun 18, 2024 14:45:20 GMT
I wonder where the Canadians (Mackenzie and Rai) will play next season. They're playing in their summer league at the moment but Canada doesn't have much of a winter league.
|
|
