Super League Basketball (SLB) has announced the return of professional basketball to Liverpool, with men's professional Liverpool Basketball set to compete in the 2026-27 season. The team will play its home games at M&S Bank Arena.
New Franchise Ownership and Vision
The franchise, owned by Kings Dock Sports Group Ltd, has been founded by media executive and sports investor Jason Dolan. Mr Dolan 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," he added.
"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."
Local Support and Economic Impact
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."
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."
Arena and Community Engagement
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," she continued.
"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."
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."
Upcoming Announcements
Over the coming weeks, the organisation will unveil the club's identity, branding, leadership appointments, coaching staff and inaugural playing roster, alongside a comprehensive community program designed to inspire participation and provide pathways for the young talented players across the Liverpool City Region.
Season ticket registrations, founding partnerships and additional club announcements will begin later this summer as preparations continue for the franchise's inaugural season.
