Super League Basketball (SLB) has named Liverpool Basketball its 10th franchise ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The announcement marks the return of top-flight men’s professional basketball to Liverpool after more than a decade.
The expansion gives one of Britain’s well-known sporting cities a place in the country’s top men’s basketball competition. The organisation will announce the club’s remaining details before the 2026-27 season begins.
This article explains why Liverpool earned the franchise, who is leading the project, and what it means for the city’s basketball future.
Why is Liverpool Basketball joining Super League Basketball
The Super League Basketball announced its newest franchise on August 5, confirming Liverpool’s place in the league for the 2026-27 season. The expansion increases the competition to 10 clubs.
League officials described the announcement as more than the launch of a new team. They said the project aims to establish a lasting sporting institution while supporting economic, community and cultural growth across Liverpool.
Liverpool Basketball will play its home games at M&S Bank Arena on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. The club will compete in Britain’s top men’s professional basketball competition from the 2026-27 season.
The organisation will announce the club’s identity, leadership team, and playing roster before the inaugural season begins.
Who is the owner of the Liverpool Basketball Franchise?
Liverpool Basketball is owned by Kings Dock Sports Group Ltd, the sports holding company founded by media executive and sports investor Jason Dolan. The group plans to build a club capable of competing at the highest professional level.
In the announcement, Dolan said Liverpool was the clear choice because of its global sporting reputation, passionate supporters and world-class arena.
He added that the organisation aims to build a club that will represent the city for generations.
The ownership group also plans to inspire young players, attract leading talent and strengthen community engagement across the Liverpool City Region.
What can fans expect from Liverpool Basketball?
Liverpool Basketball will reveal the club’s official identity, branding, leadership appointments, coaching staff and inaugural playing roster over the coming weeks.
A community programme will also be launched to encourage participation and support young players across the Liverpool City Region.
Although Super League Basketball has introduced the franchise as Liverpool Basketball, the club is expected to unveil its full branding, official identity and logo before the 2026-27 season.
Season ticket registrations and founding partnership opportunities will also open later this summer.
Liverpool Experience Campus Chief Executive Faye Dyer said bringing elite basketball to M&S Bank Arena will add another chapter to the city’s sporting history. She added the project aims to inspire future generations while welcoming new fans to the sport.
What is Liverpool’s history in professional basketball?
Liverpool’s return to the top flight ends a gap of more than a decade without a men’s professional team.
The city’s previous franchise, the Mersey Tigers, competed in the British Basketball League before withdrawing from the competition in 2013 due to financial difficulties.
The club entered the league in 2007 as the Everton Tigers through a partnership with Everton FC and the Toxteth Tigers community programme.
It later became the Mersey Tigers after Everton withdrew its financial support in 2010.
During its time in the league, the Mersey Tigers won the 2008-09 BBL Cup and finished as league runners-up.
The club also operated the Tigers Basketball Academy with Childwall Academy to help develop young players.
Take a look at this Article Next:
Conclusion
Liverpool Basketball’s arrival brings top-flight men’s professional basketball back to one of Britain’s best-known sporting cities. The new franchise also expands Super League Basketball to 10 clubs for the 2026-27 season.
Several key announcements, including the club’s branding, leadership team and inaugural roster, are expected before the opening campaign. Community programmes and season ticket registrations will also begin later this summer.
The project represents a fresh chapter for basketball in Liverpool. Its progress over the coming months will shape the club’s identity both on and off the court.
