The Board concluded England Basketball's plans do not adequately address the challenge of increasing participation beyond the governing body's current audiences, although England Basketball have contested the findings.

"Despite the considerable efforts of England Basketball and its many partners, along with support from Sport England staff members, there is no argument that the estimated number of basketball participants aged over 15 has fallen and that the target to March 31, 2011 has not been reached," said an England Basketball statement.

The growth target in question relates to Sport England's Active People Surveys for estimated weekly participation by people over the age of 15 but England Basketball - the only sport to suffer funding cuts - have highlighted the fact they are not the only sport showing a reduction in participation, nor the worst affected.

Rugby League and rounders have seen far more significant reductions in their participation levels yet have not been punished with funding cuts which is something England Basketball are clearly angered by.

"Basketball is not the only sport reflecting sharply reduced participation numbers from the Active People Surveys, nor is it the worst," said the statement.

The move comes despite the success of the first ever UK NBA Basketball Week earlier this month, which saw the New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors play the NBA's first regular-season games in Europe at the O2 Arena, and the announcement that Britain's men's and women's basketball teams will be allowed to take up the Host Nation qualifying places in next year's London 2012 Olympics.

"England Basketball has not demonstrated the necessary focus on improving its plans for increasing participation, despite continued support and encouragement to do so," said Jennie Price, Sport England's chief executive.

"This was an important factor in our decision.

"The Board has not taken this decision lightly, but from the outset of this funding period Sport England has been clear that poor performance would lead to a governing body's overall funding levels being reviewed.

"As an investor of public funds, we have a responsibility to ensure our investment is properly managed and delivers value for money.

"We remain firmly committed both to the sport of basketball and to working with England Basketball on our remaining investment to support the development of the sport."

As a result of the decision, England Basketball's whole sport plan revenue funding will not see the potential increase over the next two years, it has been claimed.

"England Basketball will continue to work with Sport England in order to increase regular weekly basketball participation opportunities among people over the age of 15 and outside the governing body's membership," England Basketball added.

England Basketball's maximum funding award for 2009-2013 was £8.2 million ($13.1 million), consisting for £6.2 million ($9.5 million) revenue funding and £2 million ($3 million) capital funding.

As a result of reductions to Sport England's Exchequer funding in the Comprehensive Spending Review, England Basketball's capital award has already been reduced to £1,618,750 ($2,596,313).

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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