PRIDE TO MOVE WEST, BECOME ROCKS

Scotland’s only WBBL team is to relocate from Edinburgh to Cumbernauld next season.

Caledonia Pride will be taken over by the Lady Rocks club with current owners, basketballscotland, revealing a deal has been struck which will see the franchise move west.

It is understood a rival proposal, backed by Edinburgh University and one of the Pride’s existing sponsors, was rejected in favour of a tie-up with the Rocks, who have a loose link with Glasgow Rocks of the BBL but are bankrolled by separate investors.

A new company registered at Companies House last month may give a clue at both the new name and the backers.

Caledonia Rocks basketball lists millionaire businessman Stephen Tominey and his wife Alison as the sole directors, with both currently named as sponsors of the Lady Rocks.

Stephen Ferguson, the chair of Basketball Scotland, said: “Caledonia Pride was founded by basketballscotland based upon the belief that a professional franchise in Scotland would benefit talented female athletes.

“It has always been our stated intention that the franchise should one day stand alone, grow and thrive. We firmly believe that the Lady Rocks’ vision and financial backing will help the franchise to achieve its potential.”

With a number of players understood to have signalled their opposition to the move, it is expected to lead to a break-up of the vibrant young squad which rounded off the most successful season in the Pride’s six-year history by reaching the BBL Playoff semi-finals last month. Head coach Bart Sengers is also not expected to continue in his role although sources say the door is not shut on the Dutchman also making the switch.

Lady Rocks are thought to have tentative plans to construct their own facility with a promise to “maintain and ensure the development and continued playing opportunities for Scottish players.”

Director Lisa Palombo said: “We are delighted to embark on the next phase of our basketball journey with the addition of a professional team to our club. We see this as an opportunity for our players to aspire to play at the highest level possible and for our community to be excited by a professional basketball team being based locally.

“We believe that this is not only an exciting time for Lady Rocks but also for our associate female clubs, and for the growth of basketball across Scotland.”