Feel the Grip, Control Your Game

Ahead of June’s European Championship, FIMBA GB+60 Women have received a welcome boost from the UK and Ireland division of global basketball specialists, Molten. 

Molten’s UK & Ireland Brand Manager, Paul Reaney visited during a recent training session to present the group with a batch of Molten BG4500 matchballs –the same ball used in major European competition and the British and Ireland Basketball Leagues.

The 18-strong squad, whose ages range from 60-73, is currently in training for the European Championship, which will take place in Pesaro, Italy in June. Team GB is looking to improve on the bronze medal they won in Portugal in 2023 and is also hoping to compete in the bi-annual World Championships in Switzerland, in 2025.

Paul Reaney, Molten’s UK & Ireland Brand Manager, commented: 

“FIMBA GB+60 Women are proof that basketball really is the world’s most inclusive sport, able to welcome anyone and everyone who wants to play. We wanted to do our part to help Masters basketball thrive in Britain and Ireland and can only hope that by helping promote FIMBA GB+60 Women, more over 35s are inspired to return to basketball, or even give it a try for the first time.”

Team Manager Flynn Reid commented: 

“The ability to train with top matchballs, identical to the ones used in elite competition, will give FIMBA GB+60 Women the best possible chance of success this summer and beyond. It was a wonderful surprise to have Molten give us their support.” 

Molten's UK & Ireland Brand Manager Paul Reaney presents FIMBA GB+60 Women with a dozen BG4500 basketballs.

 
Molten and The British Basketball League are delighted to announce that Molten will continue their partnership as official ball supplier of the Men’s and Women’s British Basketball League.
 
The deal is the most lucrative investment Molten have placed into the British game, which will see their high quality basketballs continue to be used throughout the League for at least the next three years. 
 
With a month of the Men’s Championship season already in the books and the Women’s season tipping-off this weekend, Molten’s BG4500 National Elite basketball will be used across both Leagues' major competitions. Molten’s branding will also feature at all arenas throughout the season, including all major Finals and the All-Star Games, they will also continue to sponsor the prestigious British Basketball League Player and Coach of the Year awards.
 
Molten has an intrinsic relationship with British basketball having been partners of the League for 20 years and will continue to play a major role in the development of the game, during the League’s most exciting period of growth. With their passion for the long-term vision of the growth of the game and its impact in communities across the country, Molten align with the League’s proud vision as very strong advocates for inclusion and the unique power the sport has to bring cultures together.

“Molten are delighted that the BG4500, our elite level basketball, will continue its place at the heart of the British Basketball League. The new three-year sponsorship extends our proud partnership with the League to 20 years and marks the largest investment we have ever made to the domestic game.  

“Molten has made this commitment because we want to play our part in helping the League, its talented staff, fervent supporters and an exciting new generation of basketball players, reach their limitless potential.

“Whatever stage you're at in your basketball journey, there's a basketball in our BG Series that's perfect for you." 

“We are proud to be extending its partnership with Molten who have played a vital role during the 20 years in which they have supported the growth of the League. As excitement continues to rise both around the League, its clubs and the game as a whole, it’s great to see Molten commit during a vital time in our growth. 
 
“Molten produces the highest quality basketballs and importantly aligns with our growth vision, so we look forward to continuing our relationship with Molten in the years ahead where we will achieve our goals.”

The British Basketball League, formed in 1987, is the leading men’s professional basketball league in the United Kingdom (UK) and represents the highest level of the professional game in the country, featuring players from around the UK, Europe, the United States and beyond. The League operates under the FIBA Europe Federation and is contested by 10 teams from major cities across the UK. The games can be watched on Sky Sports, Sky Sports’ YouTube channel and NOW in the UK, and via the League’s YouTube channel.

The 10 British Basketball League franchises are:

• Bristol Flyers
• Caledonia Gladiators
• Cheshire Phoenix
• Leicester Riders
• London Lions
• Manchester Giants
• Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles
• Plymouth City Patriots
• B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
• Surrey Scorchers

The British Basketball League operates under an ownership structure, whereby the 10 franchises that comprise the League hold equal stakes. Alongside these franchises, Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners holds a 45% share. In addition, the League is comprised of an independent Management Board overseeing the implementation of the business plan and day-to-day running of the League.

Basketball Ireland and Molten have agreed a four-year partnership extension which will see Molten continue as ‘Official Ball Supplier’ in Ireland until at least 2027.

Molten Brand Manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland, Paul Reaney, noted:

"We, at Molten, are incredibly excited to be named the Official Ball of Basketball Ireland for the next four years. The energy, engagement and evolution of basketball in Ireland grows apace - to see Molten basketballs carrying the Basketball Ireland logo is a source of immense pride. 
 
Molten will continue to work in partnership with Basketball Ireland to help the game develop, which is why we're thrilled to announce that a percentage of each Molten/Basketball Ireland ball bought from Intersport Elverys goes back into the domestic game. Buying a Molten basketball is investing in the health and wellbeing of basketball in Ireland."

“This agreement will see Molten remain an integral part of the Basketball Ireland brand in the coming years,” added Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan. 
 
“It brings the association between our brands to more than two decades and I’m confident the partnership will continue to go from strength to strength in the future.”

The National League will play with Molten’s BG4500 matchball. Molten basketballs will also continue as the ‘Official Ball’ of international and schools basketball in Ireland.