London Leopards to Apply for BBL Franchise

By Sam Neter on November 29, 2011

London Leopards have announced they will be applying for a British Basketball League (BBL) franchise with the intention of beginning to compete in the 2012/13 season.

Since supporters of the original Leopards reformed the club in 2004 the Big Cats have played in the England Basketball League Division One, winning the National Cup in 2005/6 and finishing runners-up in the league last season. Based at the Brentwood Centre and Basildon Sporting Village, the club now feels they are ready to compete in the top level of basketball in the country.

Club Chairman Fred Dicker is looking forward to the prospect of having a BBL franchise:

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that we are actively looking to join the BBL for next season.

“This is a very big step for our club but although it has taken time it has been our aim since our formation in 2004.

“The application process is not an easy one, but I believe we have quality personnel at the club to make a successful bid. We need to put in place a management team that will provide the skills required to run a BBL franchise with a desire to be competitive in our first season.

“I am also delighted to announce Gareth Roberts has accepted my invitation to be our club’s first Managing Director. Gareth has, in the past, held various roles within the club. He, along with Ian Mitchell, has set up our community programme. Gareth is a very bright young man with plenty of new ideas and fantastic energy which can only be an asset to the Leopards organisation.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our fans, sponsors and match day crew for their support and unending determination making us the organisation we are today.”

Leopards could potentially be the third new BBL franchise for the 2012/13 season after a Birmingham side has already been approved and Manchester also looking to field a professional team.

An announcement as to whether or not their franchise bid is approved will be expected by March 2012, and if it is, let’s hope the first thing they do is fix their website.

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London Leopards to Apply for BBL Franchise

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