East London Royals Withdraw from BBL for 2012/13 Season
The BBL was dealt a blow today with the announcement that the East London Royals will not be taking part in BBL Competitions for the 2012-13 season, deferring entry until the 2013/14 season.
From the BBL:
“The decision was reached following a thorough ongoing readiness review of the Royals Franchise, from which it was determined that the Royals were not ready for the Competitions for this coming season.
The BBL will be working closely with Royals over the coming months to ensure the franchise is ready well in advance of the 2013-14 season.
Mark Clark for the Royals said, “While we are bitterly disappointed to withdraw at this late stage, it is absolutely the correct decision for East London Royals and the BBL. I would like to thank the BBL Franchise Committee for their assistance in looking at all available options. We will continue to build the East London Royals brand and our place in the local community. With new investment, a community programme and a broader financial base we will develop the East London Royals Franchise to a level that will launch in the 2013-2014 season.
BBL COO Andy Webb added “We are extremely disappointed to lose East London for next season. We must recognise however that all sporting clubs are operating in difficult financial times and this type of issue is being replicated across multiple sports, and indeed businesses, in the UK and Europe. Whilst this was a difficult decision, given their circumstances, we could not be confident of Royals completing the season and that was simply not an option.”
There will now be 12 teams competing in the upcoming BBL season, which tips off on September 21. There is now expected to be 15 teams for the 2013/14 season, with the addition of Royals, a Birmingham franchise and the Essex Leopards.
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