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Buoyant women's basketball is 'open for business'

Women’s basketball in the UK is open for business with the sport’s professional league poised to capitalise on the increased commercial opportunities brought about by a new era of stability and growth.

That’s the message coming out of Super League Basketball Women’s League — the top level of the sport in Britain and home to scores of world class players from home and abroad.

Later this month the country’s top two women’s teams will fight it out for the 2026 Play-off title in front of 16,000 fans at The 02, London.

Basketball’s biggest domestic prize dominates the domestic calendar with both the men’s and women’s finals taking place on May 17 at a showpiece event that brings high energy entertainment to the capital’s biggest indoor venue every year.

“There’s never been a better time to experience the thrill of top-level women’s basketball and to be a part of the most exciting period in the sport’s history,” explains Jim Saker, SLB Women’s League Chairman.

“During the last 12 months the league has developed a series of new commercial partnerships, seen an increase in viewing figures across its official YouTube channel and guaranteed its seat at the table when shaping the future of the sport.

“Significantly, SLB Women’s League gained FIBA recognition earlier this year. Securing the backing of basketball’s global governing body enables us to plan for the future with confidence — and that includes working with new partners on and off the court.

“We have a unique product that has yet to realise its full potential. Women’s sport is booming in the UK and basketball is a big part of that. We’re the second fastest-growing women’s team sport in the country and we’re only going to get bigger.”

Last month SLB Women’s League revealed its latest eye-catching commercial partnership after confirming Bio-Synergy as the league’s official nutrition partner.

That deal was clinched against the backdrop of a 15% annual increase in viewing figures across the league’s YouTube channel.

And SLB Women’s League will be represented on the sport’s new Interim Delivery Group — a body set up to steer the sport through a period of transition following support from FIBA and the subsequent liquidation of basketball’s former governing body.

“This time last year the future was uncertain and it was incredibly difficult to work on any long-term agreements,” adds Jim.

“Fast forward 12 months and it’s quite clear that the SLB Women’s League is here to stay. We have a solid commercial base on which to build and there’s a renewed confidence that our sport is on the brink of something special.

“The liquidation of the British Basketball Federation (BBF) was hugely significant and now we have the opportunity for an invaluable reset.

“Our relationship with FIBA is stronger than ever and we’re excited to be working hand in hand to develop women’s basketball at a regional, national and international level.”

May’s Play-off finalists will be determined within the next few days following the conclusion of the SLB Women’s League regular season in April.

Jim adds: “It feels as if this year’s post-season is more open than ever and we’re looking forward to a competitive final at what should be an electric O2 Arena in London

“It’s the biggest date on the British basketball calendar and the perfect opportunity to underline the potential of the women’s game.

“As a league, we’re ready to start more conversations with would-be commercial partners who recognise the value of aligning their brand to women’s sport and becoming part of a family-friendly community that’s growing fast.

“And it’s not just about what you see on court. Fashion, music and community are central to what makes basketball such a diverse and appealing proposition.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .