Author

Joel Osborne writes

Posted Monday, June 11th 2018 @BristolSportJO

Leeds Force withdraw from the BBL

Monday, June 11th 2018

Leeds Force have withdrawn from the British Basketball League for the 2018/19 season.

After a recent review of the Force franchise, the club indicated that it was not in a position to continue in the British Basketball League and have been removed from the league as a result.

A statement on the club’s website stated: “It is with great sadness that we today have to announce the end of the road for Leeds Force.

“It hasn’t been a secret that this past season has not been one anyone involved with the club wanted it to be. The club has faced numerous challenges throughout the season that were unforeseen and this has meant that providing the necessary investment to maintain a competitive team on the floor has become unsustainable.

Leeds Force joined the BBL from NBL Division One in 2014 with Bristol Flyers

“We have had a great four years and notched up wins against all but one of the other BBL teams. We hope that we have brought entertainment to those who have witnessed some of our huge games and provided some great memories.

“It is with a heavy heart that this move sees the end of professional basketball in West Yorkshire, which is a shame because it is a region that deserves a strong and successful basketball team to support in the BBL.

“However, we would like to thank everyone who we have worked with over the past four years including players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and most of all the fans. Leeds may have been the minnow in the BBL but the fans were truly an inspiration to all the players who wore the jersey.”

Confirmation of the competition format for the forthcoming 2018/19 campaign will follow in the coming weeks, with fixture release day set to be in mid-July.