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Former NBA player John Amaechi believes the problems holding the UK back from developing top basketball talent may be about to disappear

John Amaechi believes NBA Europe has the ability to bring long-term change to British basketball, inspiring the next generation to take up the game.

Following the announcement in December that the NBA was considering establishing a new “professional pan-European men’s basketball league” with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), London and Manchester were reportedly considered as potential venues, which could start as early as next year.

For Tiandi, who played nearly 300 games in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz, it marked the beginning of an important new chapter for basketball in this country.

UK Basketball has gone through a tumultuous period over the past few years, starting with 777 Partners’ significant investment in the London Lions and the UK Basketball League, as it was then, but ending in legal disputes and The British Basketball Association is dissolved.

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Watch one of the best moments of the season as Orlando Magic star Anthony Blake dunks against four Memphis Grizzlies defenders during the NBA Berlin game

“I have a feeling things are going to change,” Tianchi said of the NBA’s involvement in establishing a European league.

“Opportunities, training, coaching standards, all of those things are very important.

“I think NBA Europe is a rare opportunity. There’s a real opportunity here to create a team that the entire basketball community can grow around. Maybe other countries don’t need it as much as we do, but we need it and I think every country will benefit.”

Tianchi believes he knows what’s wrong with the sport in this country and what key issues could be solved through the NBA’s commitment to European expansion.

Asked what he thought was the biggest obstacle facing athletes in this country, Tianchi said: “It’s the access. It’s the cost of participating in the sport.”

“We can provide more opportunities like this for people to have their careers and their lives enriched by this sport, not just by playing it, but by the sporting careers that happen around it. That’s what I think.

“To achieve that, you have to respect the amazing things happening in Europe and build the NBA’s governance, framework, rigor and business acumen, but make sure it’s European at its core.”

Commissioner Adam Silver is eyeing Manchester and London as potential venues for NBA Europe

The Super Basketball League, a league formed after the BBL license was terminated and disbanded in 2024, has many of the same clubs and names.

The defunct Manchester Giants and Surrey Heat were reborn as Manchester Basketball and Surrey 89ers. Otherwise, more than half of these clubs have the same ownership as when they operated under the previous league structure – with only London following the collapse of 777 Partners and Sheffield joining Manchester and Surrey having changed hands in recent years following the termination of the BBL license.

SLB chief insists English league is committed to tackling ‘long-standing’ challenges

Sanjay Bhandari MBE was appointed interim chairman of the Super Basketball League last summer

In July 2025, Sanjay Bhandari MBE, chairman of anti-racism organization Kick It Out, was appointed interim independent chairman of the SLB.

“Basketball in this country faces long-term structural challenges,” Bhandari said in a statement. Sky Sports. “As a newcomer to the world of stewardship in this sport, it is clear to me that recent events provide us with the opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and reaffirm the shared values ​​that unite us.

“The British Basketball Federation (BBF) is not fit for purpose and is in liquidation. The sport must take this opportunity to think honestly about the reasons for the collapse and put in place a lean future structure that can facilitate the effective development and growth the sport deserves.

Tiandi played for the Orlando Magic during his NBA career, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 102-89 in January 2000 at Staples Center

“SLB is engaging actively, professionally and honestly in dialogue with peer organizations and government. The process must be rigorously evidence-led and strictly results-focused.”

Bhandari added: “The fact is that a commercially thriving domestic league is vital to the sustainable future of basketball, and indeed for any sport.”

“The last few years have seen most SLB clubs see new ownership, leadership and expertise. We have invested in players, academies, much-needed arenas and business models, and we will continue to support the national teams with significant financial and other resources. We know there is much work to be done to realize the potential of the entire competition and we look forward to playing our part actively and constructively.”

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