CARDIFF BBL FRANCHISE ON TABLE
A bid to enter a Cardiff franchise in the British Basketball League has been drafted, MVP can reveal.
The application, led by a group of local investors, has passed through the initial application stage to join up.
The proposal includes a new 1,800-seater arena although no site has been formally identified.
“They’re far from being certain yet but there is lots they’re proposing,†said a league source. “It’s an interesting initial idea.â€
With Cardiff Archers already playing in the WBBL, a Welsh entrant has long been a target of the BBL and could help to mitigate uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Leeds Force and Plymouth Raiders.
Both clubs, according to senior figures within the BBL, are likely to need to seek new venues with Leeds’ current home considered too small and Plymouth’s Pavilions under threat of closure.
However, in response, Plymouth denied that a switch of base is on the cards while a Leeds spokesperson said: “We are the smallest club in the league but one with a very bright future in a vitally important city for the league.”
It is also understood that a proposal to revamp the BBL Cup is being considered that would see lower league teams from England, Scotland and Wales included in the competition with top-flight clubs entering in the later rounds.
This article was updated with responses from Leeds and Plymouth.
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