Basketball

Super League Basketball and Molten UK & Ireland have penned a multi-year partnership that will make Molten’s BG4500 the official game ball of all Men’s and Women’s SLB competitions from this season.  

The partnership between Molten and British basketball’s top division continues a relationship that extends to well over 20 years support between the manufacturer and elite level British basketball. 

“We’re proud to confirm Molten as partners of Super League Basketball. Molten has worked closely with the British basketball community for decades and we’re excited to work with them over the coming years to further elevate the game in the UK,” confirmed SLB Interim Chair, Vaughn Millette said.

Paul Reaney, Brand Manager, Molten UK and Ireland commented: “Molten is first and foremost a basketball brand with a passionate commitment to the game’s health and wellbeing in every corner and court across Britain. We are incredibly excited about this new partnership with the SLB and looking forward to playing our part in helping British basketball achieve the success it deserves.

As we start this new chapter, our focus will be on putting a high-performance basketball in the hands of every player, coach and fan that picks up a Molten. We are already working on the next generation of game-changing Super League Basketballs and hope to release exciting details very soon." 

Molten’s BG4500 basketball will be used across both Leagues' major competitions. Molten’s branding will also feature at all arenas throughout the season and Finals. Molten will also continue to sponsor the prestigious Super League Basketball Player and Coach of the Month/Year awards. 

About Super League Basketball

Super League Basketball 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 9 teams from major cities across the UK. The games can be watched on DASN throughout the 2024-27 season.

The Super League Basketball Franchises are:

Bristol Flyers
Caledonia Gladiators
Cheshire Phoenix
Leicester Riders
London Lions
Manchester Basketball
Seriös Group Newcastle Eaglesa
B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
Surrey Niners

The Women's Super League Basketball Franchises are:

Caledonia Gladiators
Cardiff Archers
Durham Palatinates
Essex Rebels
Leicester Riders
London Lions
Manchester Basketball
Nottingham Wildcats
Oakland Wolves
Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles
Sheffield Hatter

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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.