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Statement: NBL to cease with immediate effect
It is with enormous regret that Badminton England has todayconfirmed that, after three hugely successful game-changing seasons, theNational Badminton League (NBL) will cease with immediate effect.
Since its launch in August 2014, the National BadmintonLeague has over-achieved in its mission to bring a new and younger audience andgreater profile, including regular TV broadcast, to the sport.
It has delivered some amazing exposure for English badminton.
Over 1.3 million viewers have watched NBL fixtures on domesticTV – through both Sky Sports and BT Sport - and online, with fans from over 120different nations engaging with the league across social and web channels.
The NBL has introduced a new TV broadcaster to badminton (BTSport) who extended their support by broadcasting the 2017 YONEX All England.In addition, a new commercial partner (AJ Bell) for Badminton England wassecured after using the NBL as a first foray into the sport
The NBL has offered over 130 players from 15 differentnations - including many of Britain's best young rising stars - the chance toplay regularly in front of sell out crowds and TV audiences in a format thathas become much talked about.
Season 3 alone showcased an impressive 12 Rio 2016 Olympianssuch was the level of status in which the NBL was held by the global badmintoncommunity.
However, the financial demands to continue to develop the NBLand the high standard of event delivery required, is a significant cost toBadminton England at a time when we are making tough decisions about our peopleand our activities as a consequence of recent funding decisions.
The NBL is something thatwe do not believe to be self-sustainable in the short to medium term andsubsequently is something we are unable to protect alongside our attempts toensure resilience across the core of our sport.
Adrian Christy, CEO of league administrators BadmintonEngland, said: “This is a very sad day for English badminton, particularly themany supporters of the NBL whose passion and enthusiasm have made the pastthree seasons something to be so proud of.
“We have worked so hard over many years to develop our ownnational league and having to now make such a difficult decision does not siteasy. However, given the situation that we are seeking to bounce back from, Ibelieve it is the right one when we have other priorities to consider.
“On behalf of everyoneat Badminton England, I would like to thank all partners, players, event teams,staff and sponsors who turned a dream into reality.
“We would particularly like to thank title sponsors AJ Bellwith the support of whom we were able to expand the league as well as SkySports and, more latterly, BT Sport.
“Most importantly, our heartfelt thanks go to the sixfounding teams – Loughborough Lightning, MK Badminton, Team Derby, Universityof Nottingham, Surrey Smashers and Birmingham Lions and to Suffolk Saxons andBristol Jets who added so much to the NBL when they joined us at the start of Season3.
“Without your commitment, dedication and extraordinary energy,the NBL would never have gotten off the ground.”
