Two BBL clubs to compete in Europe for first time in 20 years!
The British Basketball League (BBL) is thrilled to announce that for the first time in twenty years, two of its clubs will compete in European competition in the same season.
The London Lions will once again take on some of Europe’s elite basketball sides as they enter the 7DAYS EuroCup, becoming the first BBL side to do so since 2007. The Lions did the league proud last year as they stormed into the Second Round of the FIBA Europe Cup group stage and they’ll be hoping to use that experience to once again make their mark in elite European competition.
Following the draw on Friday afternoon, the Lions have been placed in Group B, where they will take on nine of the very best sides from across the continent in the coming months. The top eight teams from each group will advance through to the knockout phases and the Lions will be looking forward to testing themselves when the tournament gets underway in October.
Meanwhile, after a historic campaign domestically last season, current BBL champions Leicester Riders will be competing in the Basketball Champions League for the first time since the 2018/19 season. Rob Paternostro’s side will be hoping to continue their winning feeling as they face a possible three qualifying matches if they are to make the BCL Group Stage.
Last year’s treble winners will face off against Romanian side CSO Voluntari in the first qualifying match on 21st September after the draw was made in Geneva last Thursday.
Speaking about this terrific moment for the British Basketball League, Chief Operating Officer, Andy Webb said:
“This is a really historic moment for our league as two of our sides compete in Basketball’s elite European competitions for the first time in twenty years. I think this highlights the momentum that is growing around the BBL and we’re sure that both the Lions and the Riders will show the clear talent within our league when they compete in the coming weeks.
“The Lions highlighted how competitive our clubs can be against some of the very best teams on the continent last season and we’re sure that both sides will be a force to be reckoned with in their respective competitions. Everyone within the BBL wishes the Lions and the Riders the best of luck for their upcoming matches.”
BBL fans can keep up to date with both sides progress via www.bbl.org.uk.
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