Gathering pace somewhat, the BBA have announced a second recruit to their ranks for next season (or a third if you include the rumour of a team from London).

What the BBA statement omits to mention is that Birmingham Athletics (who used to play as Aston before the demise of the Bullets) play in Division 2 of the EBL, and the fact that their first two officially-named recruits are hardly high-profile seems to support the BBL's contention that all ten of their existing teams have committed themselves to remain with the BBL for next season!

Another interesting aspect of the latest recruitment is the fact that Birmingham Athletics have consistently (and as recently as during the first half of this season) insisted that they would never, under any circumstances, consider paying anyone to play for the team! I wonder how they'll try to square that with "... bringing quality professional basketball back to the Midlands”

Still, looking on the bright side, I imagine that we may not have to wait until January for an official team-list from the Athletics next season.

Professional Basketball Back In Birmingham

London, England (February 14, 2007) The British Basketball Association (BBA), has announced it has received a franchise application from a Birmingham-based group led by Nigel Hanson. Mr. Hanson is currently Chief Executive of the Birmingham Athletics Basketball Club and will represent the City of Birmingham when the league begins its inaugural season this autumn.

Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom with a diverse population and a long history of professional basketball. With the loss of the Birmingham Bullets, basketball supporters in the city have been without a team this season. The BBA plans to become the preferred basketball medium in the Midlands and have been in discussions with Hanson’s group since last summer. “Birmingham is an exciting and vibrant city with a passion for sport”, said Ron Scott, Chief Executive of the BBA. “We look forward to working closely with Nigel’s group and executing our plans for bringing quality professional basketball back to the Midlands”.

The Birmingham Athletics currently compete in the England Basketball League (EBL) and cite the experience, network and marketing support of the BBA as key factors for the move. ‘We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with the BBA to bring the professional game back to Birmingham”, said Hanson. “With their support and access we will be able to put together a higher quality club that will appeal to the next generation of basketball fans and sponsors”.

The Athletics will become a BBA Full Franchise member and shareholder upon final approval by the BBA franchise committee.

The BBA, based in London and New York, was formed last year by a consortium of British and American businessmen including technology entrepreneur Ken Olisa and former Los Angeles Laker AC Green.