Get ready for the new British Basketball League season as six clubs gear up to represent Britain in exciting European competition campaigns. Stay updated on their journey as the League embraces the six clubs’ international challenges in the world of basketball.
After an incredibly successful 2022/23 season for teams in the British Basketball League, Europe has come calling for the elite of the League. Six teams answered the call, with both Men’s and Women’s teams ready to challenge in Europe.
London Lions Men’s
After a commanding performance throughout 2022/23, where they secured an impressive 32-4 record during the championship series and clinched the British Basketball League Championship, the London Lions are gearing up to once again in the EuroCup.
Notably, the Lions etched their name in history last season by advancing to the playoff rounds of the EuroCup —an unprecedented feat for a British team.
As the new season dawns, the spotlight turns to the Lions’ stars, Sam Dekker and Luke Nelson, who are determined to take the team even further. Their aspirations are fueled by last season’s unexpected playoff appearance, during which the Lions, unfortunately, bowed out in the Eighthfinals against the formidable Spanish ACB club, Joventut Badalona.
London Lions Women’s
In parallel to their male counterparts, the London Lions Women’s team demonstrated an impeccable performance, arguably surpassing expectations with a remarkable 21-1 record during the Championship. Their dominance extended to securing every available trophy in the League for the second season in a row—an achievement worth noting.
As a result of their outstanding performance, the Lions are poised to enter the EuroLeague Women’s Qualifiers. The Lions will be hoping to go further after suffering a brutal 148-141 aggregate loss to French team Villeneuve d’Ascq LM in the Play-off round 1 of the 2022/23 EuroCup.
Newcastle Eagles & Bristol Flyers
While the Lions undoubtedly gather accolades, it is worth noting that other teams within the League are also making their presence felt on the European stage. Notably, the Newcastle Eagles Men’s team and Bristol Flyers Men’s team are poised to etch their names in British Basketball League history by becoming the first British teams to venture into the European North Basketball League (ENBL).
Their opponents will include formidable contenders such as the Lithuanian powerhouse BC Wolves, along with the reigning champions of the ENBL, the Polish team BM Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski.
Stay tuned to the League for the latest updates on the forthcoming ENBL schedule.
Caledonia Gladiators Women’s
As the sole UK-based women’s club in the tournament, the Caledonia Gladiators Women’s team is setting its sights on triumph in the EuroCup. Remarkably, Caledonia has earned a direct entry into the competition without the need for qualifiers, granting the Gladiators a clear path as they approach the upcoming season.
Their journey commences on October 12th, with a face-off against Israel’s Elitzur Landco Ramla. The challenges continue as the Gladiators go up against Belgium’s Basket Namur Capitale and Portugal’s S.L. Benfica, all part of Group G.
This remarkable achievement marks a historic moment, as the Gladiators become the first Scottish team in modern history to venture into a European women’s competition.
Caledonia Gladiators Men’s
Completing the British Basketball League teams participating in European competition this upcoming season, we have the determined Caledonia Gladiators Men’s team, fully prepared to give their all in their quest to qualify for the Basketball Champions League.
The Gladiators’ journey kicks off with pre-qualifying rounds against the Swiss contenders, Fribourg Olympic. Success here will grant them the chance to face off against Poland’s formidable Legia Warsaw.
Set against the backdrop of Antalya, Turkey, the initial qualifying round is scheduled from September 25th to October 1st. An intense battle awaits, as the stakes are high, and the team that doesn’t advance will find themselves in the competitive arena of the FIBA Europe Cup.
With the countdown to the new season continuing, you can still get your British Basketball fix by following the League on social media or heading to our YouTube channel to relive all of the best moments from last year!