BBL Looking At Club Expansion

The British Basketball League has announced that it is in talks to expand the
league from 10 to 16 clubs from next season.

All 10 of the existing BBL clubs have committed to play in the 2007/08 season
while the BBL has approached eight over franchises with regards to the extra six
potential spots.

The BBL lost three of its most successful clubs – London Towers, Birmingham
and Brighton – at the end of last season.

‘We’re keen to reach our target of 16 teams as quickly as possible,’ said BBL
chairman Paul Blake. ‘But we won’t compromise on the standard of franchise
permitted.’

Franchise applications have to meet set criteria both on and off the court in
order for clubs to join the BBL, which has an agreement with England Basketball
to expand the league.

Any expansion of the BBL may depend on the government’s review of the game,
the Mallin Review, which is due for publication next month.

‘We’ll embrace the findings of the Mallin Report,’ said Blake. ‘And we’re
looking forward to working with the implementation group that will be set up
after the report is delivered.’