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17 April 2026  3 min read

Sadie Mason steps down from BE Board

Mason, who has been on the BE Board since 2020, is stepping down with immediate effect to focus on other ventures, including GB Maxibasketball and her role as Deputy Lieutenant in East Sussex.

Speaking about the decision, Mason said: "My term with Basketball England was due to end this year, so I am electing to stand down at this point to enjoy being with my family and to focus on the GB Maxibasketball programme as we prepare eleven British teams to compete in championships in Greece this summer.

"I will also continue as a Deputy Lieutenant in East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove as that is a long-term appointment.  

"Hopefully, I’m leaving the organisation with some positive contributions to the development of our sport and all at BE will continue to work with the Board to champion the diverse and inclusive nature of our beloved sport. 

"Finally, I wish Chair Paul Blanchard, the Board and the incoming Chief Executive and staff all the very best as they take BE forward."

Mason during her time with Active Sussex as CEO (Active Sussex)

Basketball England Chair Paul Blanchard said: "I'd like to thank Sadie for the time and passion she has dedicated to Basketball England across her time with the Board.

"Her knowledge, experience and drive to improve our sport has been a key asset over the last five and a half years, and I, alongside the rest of the organisation, wish her the very best going forward."

A former GB Students player at the World University games of 1983, ’85 and ’87 and a National League player with London Central YMCA Bobcats and clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Mason has more recently been a team manager, working with the GB and England U18s at seven FIBA European Championships between 2012 and 2018. 

Mason has twice been a national delegate at the FIBA World Congress and is a qualified coach, referee, table official and UKCC basketball coach assessor. 

Dr Mason has represented England and GB nearly 40 times and has a professional background in sport and development that spans over 30 years, including serving as CEO of Active Sussex and basketballscotland, playing a vital role in Sport England, and holding board positions at London Sport, Basketball England, and GB Basketball.  

Her leadership and integrity has shaped grassroots and elite sport to be more inclusive, sustainable and forward-looking and she was awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace by the Prince of Wales in 2014 for Services to Sport. 

More recently, she has been instrumental in developing a recognised performance level programme – GB Maxibasketball – for male and female players aged 35-60 to continue playing high-performance international basketball.

Find out more about the BE Board