Top-flight men’s basketball is returning to Liverpool after more than a decade, with a new professional team set to play its home games at the M&S Bank Arena.
Liverpool Basketball will become the tenth franchise in Super League Basketball and will begin competing during the forthcoming 2026-27 season.
The club will be based at the waterfront arena, bringing regular professional basketball fixtures to the city throughout the season.
The franchise is owned by Kings Dock Sports Group Ltd, a sports holding company founded by American media executive and sports investor Jason Dolan.
Its owners have outlined ambitions to establish Liverpool Basketball as a major professional club capable of competing at the highest level, while also supporting the local economy and creating opportunities for young players across the Liverpool City Region.
Jason Dolan, Founder and Owner – Kings Dock Sports Group Ltd, said:
“We are building for decades – not seasons. That’s why Liverpool was the clear choice. Its global sporting reputation, world-class arena, vibrant city centre and passionate supporters have created a culture shaped by clubs that represent more than competition – they represent their communities, their supporters and their city. This culture provides the foundation to build one of Europe’s premier basketball clubs.
“Our ambition is to build a professional club that Liverpool is proud to call its own. One that reflects the character of this city, inspires young people, attracts world-class talent and delivers an unforgettable experience to the Liverpool community every time the doors open at M&S Bank Arena.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“This investment will bring a new professional sports organisation to the Liverpool City Region, creating jobs, strengthening our visitor economy and reinforcing our region’s standing as somewhere global investors choose to build.
“Just as importantly, the club’s commitment to working with local communities should open pathways for young people in this fast-growing sport. I look forward to seeing our newest professional team competing and creating opportunities for local people.”
Faye Dyer, Chief Executive of Liverpool Experience Campus, home to M&S Bank Arena said:
“Welcoming a Super League Basketball franchise to M&S Bank Arena marks another exciting chapter in Liverpool’s rich sporting story and we’re proud to play a role in bringing it to life.
“This partnership further strengthens Liverpool’s reputation as a destination for world-class sport, entertainment and live experiences, while highlighting the important role Liverpool Experience Campus plays in the city’s ongoing growth and success.
“Bringing people together through unforgettable live experiences is at the heart of everything we do. Becoming the home of this new team reflects our ambition to make elite sport more accessible, inspire the next generation and create year-round energy on the waterfront.
“We’re excited to welcome new audiences through our doors and give fans the opportunity to experience top-level basketball in the heart of the city. We hope that seeing elite athletes compete on their doorstep will inspire young people across the Liverpool City Region, helping to grow the game and create memories that will last for years to come.”
Annie Brown, General Manager of The Municipal and Chair of Liverpool’s ABID Board, said:
“We are delighted to be able to support these events that don’t just bring footfall to the city, but vibrancy and animation. Liverpool’s ABID introduced the £2 levy to support events that make a real difference to our visitor economy in a sustainable way. It’s about converting visits to stays to support our hotels and accommodation sector.
“We know that people want to make the most out of their visit and sporting events really do capture the imagination and encourage people to stay for longer. Basketball will find its audience in Liverpool, and it’ll will be another sport we get passionate about, which is good news for everyone”.
Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Transformation, Councillor Ruth Bennett, said:
“Liverpool has earned a reputation as a city that stages major sport to a world-class standard, and the arrival of a Super League Basketball franchise restores something that has been missing for more than a decade – a top-flight professional team on our waterfront across a full season, year after year.”
The arrival of the team will add another year-round professional sporting organisation to Liverpool’s visitor economy.
The M&S Bank Arena, which can accommodate crowds of up to 11,000 people, has previously staged major international sporting events alongside concerts, conferences and exhibitions.
The club is expected to launch a comprehensive community programme aimed at increasing participation and providing development pathways for talented young basketball players across the city region.
Super League Basketball was established in 2024 as the top tier of men’s professional basketball in Great Britain, succeeding the British Basketball League.
Further announcements revealing Liverpool Basketball’s full identity, branding, leadership team, coaching staff and first playing squad are expected over the coming weeks.
Season-ticket registrations and details of the club’s founding commercial partners are due to be released later this summer.
You can find out more about the SLB here.
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