Mission statement

Mission

The Basketball League Belgium (BLB) independently runs the first division of men's basketball in Belgium, also known as the Ethias League. Together with the clubs, its mission is to guarantee the continuity of Belgian basketball at the highest level through optimizing commercial and organizational profitability of the league.

Since the 2010-2011 season the BLB also organizes, in close collaboration with the Flemish (VBL) and Walloon (AWBB) federations, the Belgian Development League (BDL), with the aim of reuniting in seasons to come the finest young Belgian Basketball players between the ages of 16 and 21 years old. The ultimate goal is to guarantee the influx of Belgian prospects on the highest level on a structural basis.

Identity

A convention detailing its autonomy, links the BLB with the Royal Belgian Basketball Federation (KBBB) and the Belgian National Team (BNT). Despite the total autonomy with regards to the organization of the Ethias League, active clubs and players are affiliated to the Flemish and Walloon federations.

The clubs playing in the men's first national division are the BLB's only members. When a club enters the first division, it automatically becomes a BLB member. When a club is relegated to second division on the other hand, its membership is automatically terminated.

Apart from the Ethias League and the BDL, the BLB also organizes the Supercup (game between the reigning champion and cup holder) and the Belgian Cup from the quarter finals on. Last but not least, the BLB defends the interests of the Belgian first division teams in its relations with the regional and federal governments as well as with the Union of European Basketball Leagues (ULEB).

Values

Decision making within the BLB is based on consultation and consensus, aimed at fixing mutual objectives with the clubs in the fields of organization, marketing and the development of young Belgian prospects. On an organizational level, the prime objective is to guarantee the continuity of the league, allowing it to maintain professionalism in its actions and to reach its commercial and sports-related targets.

Financially sound clubs, respecting opponents, referees and fans vouch for the credibility and quality of the Ethias League as a competition and an organization and offer the example to young Belgian basketball players on and off the court.

A dynamic no-nonsense approach defines the service we offer to our clubs and partners. Finding solutions to problems, based on clear-cut arrangements and procedures in the internal rules of procedure and disciplinary regulations. In order to maintain good and transparent relations with the clubs and external stakeholders (fans, press, etc.) mutual respect of those regulations is a must.