Surrey Sports Park Become New Owners of BBL Franchise

September 2, 2013

Surrey Sports Park in partnership with London United Basketball Club have become the owners of the Surrey British Basketball League (BBL) franchise which will now be known as Surrey United.

The former Surrey Heat will continue to play their home games at Surrey Sports Park.

Paul Blanchard of Surrey Sports Parks said of the new venture: “We are excited to be part of this new partnership which has secured the long-term stability of a professional BBL team in Surrey.

“Surrey has some of the most passionate basketball fans in the country and we hope they will unite behind this new franchise and continue to support the long history of top-level basketball in the county.”

Emma Chambers of London United Basketball Club said: “The project is limitless and there are so many factors that can make us successful. We want to create a programme which provides the dedicated Surrey fans with a competitive BBL team consisting of exciting talent, recipe but also by engaging with the community and building strong foundations to develop young talent in the Surrey area. We are completely committed to building a long term sustainable project benefiting from stable partnerships with academic institutions and Surrey Sports Park. We are fully aware of the passionate following of basketball in the Surrey area and hope to give much needed security to the Surrey fans and community.”

Andy Webb Chief Operating Officer of the BBL confirmed the change, “The BBL believes the franchise has been strengthened by the changes and we look forward to working with the new Board. There is a significant opportunity for the increased growth of basketball in the Surrey area, and we believe the additional resources this transaction enables will help make that happen.”