Shorts: British Basketball, LIV Golf, Sale Sharks
The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has initiated the search for a long-term licensee to lead the UK’s men’s professional league.
This process will aim to identify an ‘experienced organisation to oversee all aspects of league operations, including scheduling, regulatory standards, sponsorship acquisition, and the growth of the league’s profile nationwide.’
The call for proposals invites organisations with ‘proven expertise in sports management and league operations to submit their vision and plans for the future of men’s basketball in the UK.’
By partnering with a dedicated licensee, the BBF has stated an intension to create ‘a thriving, competitive league structure that supports the long-term success and popularity of British basketball.’
Chris Grant, OBE, Chair of the British Basketball Federation said, “The 2024/25 season promises to bring excitement for basketball’s amazing fans, and to provide further evidence of the unique power of the game to engage people from diverse backgrounds on and off the court.”
LIV Golf has partnered with UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for its first ever golf partnership.
The three-year agreement with LIV Golf will commit to delivering sport-for-protection programmess for refugees and internally displaced individuals and their host communities.
Within this partnership, LIV Golf has committed $10m to increase education and the access to sport for one million people who have been forcibley removed from their homes.
Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries said, “UNHCR believes strongly in the power of sport. We have seen firsthand that it can provide displaced children and youth with a sense of purpose and inspiration at a time of great personal upheaval.”
Greg Normal, LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner, added, “Our players, our teams and our league are dedicated to making the game of golf more inclusive and leveraging our wonderful sport to uplift individuals and communities while expanding their educational outcomes.”
Sale Sharks Women have partnered with sports bra specialist MAAREE.
This deal, which is the first of its kind in the women’s rugby Premiership, will equip Sharks players with custom-fitted MAARE sport bras for the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.
Georgie Perris-Redding, Sale Sharks women’s captain, said, “We know how important it is to get the right fit when it comes to our matchday, and training kit and it was brilliant to have the chance to spend time with MAAREE to make sure the whole squad was measured.”
Coventry Rugby Club have extended their partnership with Askews for the remainder of the 2024/25 season
Coventry based accountancy firm Askews have supported the club since 2021 and have now extended for a further year to provide financial services to the local community.
As per the agreement, the firm’s logo will continue to feature on Coventry’s matchday kit, and it will be actively involved in community engagement and business events.
In addition, the extended collaboration will also see Askews continue as the headline sponsor for the platinum lounges.
Matt Cannon, General Manager at Coventry Rugby, said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Askews. Their unwavering support has been invaluable in helping us develop as a club, and we look forward to furthering our collaboration as we aim for new heights in the upcoming season.”
London Mavericks Netball have confirmed the venue for their community-focused inaugural game.
As a part of the sport’s efforts to reach new communities and grow the game, the London Mavericks will play their first home game of the Netball Super League (NSL) in Brentwood Centre, Essex.
As part of the revamped NSL, the eight competing teams have been assigned community regions with London Mavericks’ counties being made up of East Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, London and Middlesex.
Tamsin Greenway, London Mavericks’ Director, said, “We have been wanting this for such a long time. It was a really bold move from England Netball and the Super League Last year. It is really exciting times for netball.”
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