The British Basketball League (BBL) has confirmed they are able to get their 2020-21 season underway following assurances from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that appropriate support will be made available to those spectator sports affected by the Government's announcement that fans would not be allowed back into sports venues from 1 October.
BBL and DCMS have been in urgent dialogue since the announcement by the Prime Minister that the planned return of fans to sports venues on 1 October would not be happening. The BBL season had been due to start on 2nd October with the announcement making a significant impact on the financial viability of the clubs who rely on ticket income throughout the season.
Full details of the support expected from the Government is to be confirmed but the assurance has meant that plans for the 2020-21 can now resume, with games now scheduled to start on Friday 30 October.
Sir Rodney Walker said, “We extend our thanks to Oliver Dowden, Nigel Huddleston, and DCMS for their swift response in the wake of the decision to not allow fans back into sports venues. This support comes in recognition of the immense work our clubs have done in preparation for the 2020-21 season, not only for competition but also in terms of the extensive work they do in their communities.”
