The world governing body FIBA agreed to let Britain compete in the 12-team tournaments following a meeting of its ruling Central Board in Lyon today, voting 16-4 in favour.

Earlier the Board had heard presentations from a British delegation including Pops Mensah Bonsu, one of Britain's top players who has played for several NBA clubs.

FIBA had asked to see evidence that Britain could put a competitive team on the court and also that the Games would leave a legacy for basketball in the country.

"They [British Basketball] worked hard," said Patrick Baumann, the FIBA secretary general.

"They have shown their committment.

"We will have the British teams playing at the Olympics which is good for them, as well as for us."

But the FIBA again warned that England, Scotland and Wales had to work towards proving their commitment to grow the game by figuring out the best governance model going forward.

"The Central Board took a vote on the following proposal: yes, both men's and women's teams should play at the Olympic Games, but by 30 June 2012 British Basketball and the Home Nations must figure out the best way for the future governance of the sport," said Baumann.

"They have until that date to decide what governance they want to go forward with after the Olympic Games end."

If the Home Nations decide not to merge into a single British body then it will almost signal the end of Britain's team and mean that London 2012 will be a one-off rather than the start of an exciting new chapter in the sport's history.

Today, though, was about celebrating the long battle to ensure that the two teams were able to take part at the Olympics, with Baumann posing with British Basketball's chairman Bill McInnes with the giant "Say Yes" jersey that had been touring the country to drum up support for the campaign. 


A British team that is set to include NBA superstars Luol Deng and Ben Gordon and be coached by NBA D League coach of the year Chris Finch now can start planning properly for London.

It will be the first time that Britain's men have competed at the Olympics since 1948 - the last occasion that London hosted the Games - while the women will be making their debut.

"I'm relieved and excited, mostly for our players, for the commitment and sacrifice they have shown the last few years to help us build the programme to where we are," said Finch.

"Playing in an Olympics is a fitting reward for their hard work and I still believe we can be competitive.

"I don't think a medal is out of the question.

"With a little bit of home magic, all our best players and the right preparation, why not?

"It is not as if we have ever failed when we have had our best team and our best players available."

The British Olympic Association (BOA) had backed the team's applications.

"We are delighted that FIBA has rightfully given both the men's and women's British basketball teams the opportunity to compete for Team GB in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the London 2012 Olympic Games," said Hunt, the BOA chief executive, who will be Chef de Mission for Team GB.

"Today's decision is recognition of the excellent progress made by British Basketball on and off the court over the last five years and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the sport to significantly increase its participation and profile, and leave a lasting legacy throughout the UK.

"We are confident that the British players will thrill the public with credible, exciting performances and by showcasing their skill and talent, inspire new generations of basketball players across the UK."

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