Leeds Carnegie Added as New Franchise to British Basketball League

The British Basketball League (BBL) have announced a deal for Leeds Carnegie to join the BBL. 

The club, who are strongly linked to the Leeds Metropolitan University, have enjoyed a meteoric rise since their formation in 2006 which has seen them jump three divisions to their current home in England Basketball (EBL) Division One. 

Away from the senior men’s team, the club also operate a women’s team and have an extensive junior programme covering multiple age ranges, all driven via their vast community programme. 

Carnegie will get a taste of BBL Competition as early as January 2014 when they take on the Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Trophy 1st round. 

Leeds Carnegie Director of Basketball and Head Coach Matt Newby said: “The BBL is the premier basketball league in the UK and is going from strength to strength. It is a great time to make the move up and it will ultimately help us achieve our goal of creating a complete performance pathway, which we have been building since 2006. It will further enhance our community focus and commitment to social agendas and ultimately we hope to inspire a new generation of basketball enthusiasts within the city of Leeds.”

Andy Webb, BBL Chief Operating Officer, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Leeds Carnegie to the BBL. Their addition will take our roster to 15 clubs for next season and will give us a 2nd club in Yorkshire. The club have a solid community base from which to grow, and we look forward to working with them to develop the club in the coming seasons.”  

Carnegie will commence participation in BBL Competitions for the 2014/15 season subject to meeting agreed criteria.