Basketball's global governing body, FIBA, has delivered a crushing blow to British basketball, barring the men's national team from international matches and stripping the British Basketball Federation (BFF) of its authority over men's competitions.
FIBA announced the dramatic suspension today following what it called a "comprehensive review" into governance failures that have plunged the sport into turmoil.
The world body's executive committee took the unprecedented step after its taskforce investigated months of chaos surrounding the BBF's controversial handling of a proposed new professional league.
It's the first time FIBA has suspended a national federation since Russia and Belarus were kicked out following the Ukraine invasion.
Basketball's global governing body, FIBA, has delivered a crushing blow to British basketball, barring the men's national team from international matches and stripping the British Basketball Federation (BFF) of its authority over men's competitions
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The controversy erupted in April when the BBF awarded a 15-year licence to run the Great Britain Basketball League to a consortium led by American businessman Marshall Glickman.
The deal promised £15million in funding over the first two years, but sparked a civil war in British basketball.
All nine existing Super League Basketball clubs refused to join the new venture, however, claiming the tender process was "illegal and unjust."
The clubs took their fight to the High Court, while the new league had already pushed back its launch date by a year to September 2027.
The existing clubs' rebellion caught the attention of sports minister Stephanie Peacock, who asked UK Sport to investigate the allegations against the BBF.
Peacock said she was "deeply concerned by the news" of FIBA's suspension, though she noted it was "a relief that the GB women's team is not included."
"Work must clearly be done to fix the domestic game and ensure our teams can continue to compete on the world stage," the minister said.
"We will work closely with Fiba and other partners on the interim operational framework, using this as a moment to move forward as we start the process of addressing governance concerns and protecting the future of British basketball."
The turmoil deepened on Sunday when Chris Grant resigned as BBF chairman after three years, citing "personal reasons."
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Sports minister Stephanie Peacock asked UK Sport to investigate the allegations against the BBF
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His departure came as FIBA's taskforce prepared to deliver its damning verdict on British basketball's governance crisis.
The suspension throws next month's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania into serious doubt, with the men's team now banned from FIBA competitions.
The Guardian has learned that £4.75million in government funding over four years is also under threat, as organisations must comply with UK Sport's governance code to receive public money.
FIBA says it will now work directly with stakeholders and the UK Government to create an interim framework for men's basketball.