UK Sport has significantly increased its financial backing for British basketball, more than doubling the investment to £2.93 million as part of their record £330 million funding allocation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics cycle.

This funding boost is poised to propel UK basketball, which has experienced some turmoil professionally despite high participation rates, to new heights.

Other sports reaping the benefits include skateboarding, climbing, weightlifting, and baseball/softball—all set to enjoy an investment swell by over 50 per cent compared to the previous cycle.

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Meanwhile, flag football, lacrosse, and squash are feeling the windfall for the first time, thanks in part to their inclusion in the LA 2028 Games lineup.

Conversely, breaking faces a financial blow as it's been axed from the next Olympics, leading to a complete cut from UK Sport's backing, with canoeing experiencing a dip in support too.

While handball's funding remains unchanged, disciplines like surfing, table tennis, volleyball, and equestrian sports will see only modest increases, reports City AM.

“It is an exciting time for the sport,” said British Basketball Federation chair Chris Grant.

“Basketball is the second most-played team sport among young people, and nobody doubts that we have the talent to compete and win at the very highest levels.

“High quality development for players, coaches and professional staff sits alongside performance and player welfare as key themes in the strategic future of British Basketball.

“The additional funding will enable us to take all of this to the next level.”

Paralympic sports have seen a larger increase in funding, with their world class programme up by an average of 12.6 per cent compared to a 4.9 per cent rise for Olympic sports.

UK Sport's funding comes from both the Treasury and National Lottery proceeds.

Athletes hoping for medals can also receive Athlete Performance Awards, which are solely funded by the lottery.

“Following the spectacular performances of Team GB and ParalympicsGB in Paris this summer, it’s so important for us to be able to keep the momentum going as we head into the LA cycle,” said UK Sport’s director of performance and people Dr Kate Baker.

“This is our greatest investment to date, with more sports set to embark on an Olympic and Paralympic campaign with us than ever before.”

It comes after athletes warned that many would consider quitting if their funding levels were not significantly increased for LA 2028, following years of real-terms decline due to inflation.

“The past few years have been tough for our sports with the delayed Tokyo Games and shortened Paris cycle, and we know finances remain under extreme pressure,” said UK Sport CEO Sally Munday.

“We have looked to relieve some of this pressure through our investment today, however we know we must continue to innovate and collaborate, together, to grow a thriving sporting system that’s fit for the future.”