Super League Basketball (SLB) has confirmed the line-up for its inaugural campaign.
Nine teams from England and Scotland will take to the court on the opening weekend of SLB action at the end of September, with further franchises expected to join this exciting cohort for the 2025/26 campaign. The teams are: Bristol Flyers, Leicester Riders, Newcastle Eagles, Cheshire Phoenix, London Lions, Sheffield Sharks (based at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park), Caledonia Gladiators, Manchester and Surrey 89ers.
Speaking on behalf of SLB, Interim Chairman Vaughn Millette said: “We are pleased to be able to welcome new ownership into the league with Sherwood Family Investment Office securing the Manchester franchise; and Lithuanian tech-group Tesonet, shareholder of leading EuroLeague organisation Žalgiris Kaunas, successfully completing the purchase of London Lions.
“Our focus is to strategically grow this league with sustainable and secure partners. The consortium of clubs has been impressed by the international attention we have attracted since being awarded the men’s professional licence by our governing body, the British Basketball Federation.
“The process for securing franchises for this inaugural season is now complete. We are delighted that there is further competition for franchises for the 2025/26 season, and we will be announcing the formal franchise expansion process during the forthcoming season.
“All ownership groups have now signed up to SLB’s operating terms and we are delighted that we’ve been able to secure the partners that we have thus far. Our clubs are looking forward to getting the new season underway with fixtures and the competition formats to be released in the coming days.
“Thank you to all the fans for their patience. We can’t wait to welcome you to Super League Basketball.”
Former Great Britain captain, current all-time GB men’s record cap holder, and co-owner of the Surrey 89ers Dan Clark added:
“It has been an extremely busy off-season and has taken a huge amount of work to get the new league ready for September.
“There’s a great mix of continued long-term ownership and new investment into the league. I’ve been hugely impressed by the commitment from all the club owners to work collegiately and collaboratively alongside the British Basketball Federation to bring a sustainable and elite offering to the court in the coming weeks.
“I personally can’t wait for top-flight basketball to resume. The level of passion and support for our sport is higher than ever and it will be great to see British basketball fans cheering their teams to success.”
