Mancunian basketball fans can rejoice, as Manchester’s basketball scene, though still the subject of much uncertainty, is set to survive – just maybe not quite as you know it.
They might currently be known as the Manchester Giants, but the city’s biggest professional basketball team are looking like they are about to take on a whole new identity in the newly formed top-flight division, simply entitled Super League Basketball.
At one point, it looked unclear as to whether a pro division would even continue here in Greater Manchester or the UK as a whole, for that matter, after the British Basketball Federation revoked the British Basketball League’s license in July following concerns regarding the operators’ finances.
Manchester’s male and female squads have been sold to the American-based private portfolio, Sherwood Family Investment Office.
The equity group invests in a variety of global projects and is now looking to bring an innovative and creative approach to the Manc basketball outfit.
Although it remains unclear as to what exactly this will look like for the club we know as the Giants at present, it’s being reported that the SLB Manchester team will likely be a whole new entity and brand.
Now led by chief executive officer Ned Sherwood, who boasts more than 40 years of experience at a large equity firm, and president Ben Pierson, it’s pretty much starting from a clean slate.
Even the current Giants administration themselves have confessed in a transparent update to fans on social media: “It is not clear at this time if the Giants name will remain”. The post also detailed that Dominique Allen, the club’s former operations manager, has now been promoted to head of operations.
A fascinating first introduction to the new Super League basketball…
No @PlymCityPatriot – team has confirmed it will not be operating in goodbye statement
"Manchester" – Giants have been sold to an American investment group and will likely rebrand, per Hoopsfix https://t.co/0vWXbdAbxF
Speaking on the acquisition, Sherwood explains: “The new energy of the league is palpable. We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting turning point in professional basketball in Great Britain.
“The goal over my career has been to find or build high-quality businesses with top-level management teams. As partners, we work tirelessly to help our businesses achieve long-term success. We look forward to developing a sustainable, elite franchise for Manchester.”
The new owners have also promised that the female team won’t be overlooked and will be “continuing in their elite competition.”
Since entering the previous top-flight division back in 2012, now formerly known as the BBL, it’s fair to say the Giants have somewhat struggled to live up to the hype of the city’s historic sports teams and the wider culture embedded within them.
In fact, the Manchester Giants only had one season in which they played above .500 basketball (win as many games as you lose) which came under head coach Lloyd Carner in the 2021-22 post-Covid cancellation year, finishing with a record 14-13.
The Giants warming up against the Caledonia Giants in December 2023. (Credit: DaHuzyBru via Wikimedia Commons)
Frustratingly, Manchester is also home to the Magic and Mystics, one of the best youth basketball programmes anywhere in the UK. Both have won more than 50 national titles since 2000, developing heaps of internationals in that time.
Furthermore, the club runs a thriving Academy basketball scheme, that competes in the EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League) and WEABL (Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League).
This is the premier junior basketball competition in the UK and features a Diploma in Sporting Excellence pathway, hosting the very top under-19 programmes in the country. Yet, it seems, that little of this vital grassroots work has translated onto the senior court for Manchester basketball fans.
Nevertheless, with a wealthy pool and youth talent and these feeder programmes, this could be the time for the professional team to join the ride and take off. Manchester’s basketball scene is Super League-ready, it just needs a push, proper backing and the right infrastructure.
Matthew Goodwin has been racking them up for Manchester Magic in the EABL all season – last night he got his first points in BBL play for Manchester Giants 👊
— Academy Basketball England (@academybballeng) February 4, 2024
As per Hoopsfix, President Pierson went on to add in a statement: “Manchester is a world-class city for sport and culture. We aim to bring the Manchester franchise back to the level it belongs – competing for trophies for the city.
“Basketball in Manchester is an integral part of schools, youth, and culture. It is imperative that we restore stability throughout the franchise, and grow our partnerships throughout the community. We look forward to delivering on this through our actions, not just our words.”
Pierson is correct; Manchester has fantastic youth basketball, is home to the National Basketball Performance Centre at Belle Vue, and boasts world-class teams and athletes across various disciplines, as well as being one of the most diverse and multicultural rich sporting capitals on the planet.
Adding pro-ball into the mix would only serve as more proof in the pudding.
Who knows for how long the Manchester Giants will be the name we know are ballers by? All we know is we’re glad the game isn’t leaving 0161 any time soon. Stay posted for more details on Super League Basketball’s upcoming debut season and the next iteration of Manchester’s premier basketball team.
Featured Images — Manchester Giants (supplied)/Super League Basketball
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Salford Red Devils supporters group outline plans for the next major protest march
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils supporters trust, The 1873, have outlined details of their next major march in protest over the club’s well-publicised ownership troubles and financial crisis.
The fan group, which has mobilised on multiple occasions already this year, is set to hit the streets once again this month and in larger numbers than ever, confirming another big demonstration before their next home game this weekend.
Sharing the update with fellow Red Devils on social media, 1837 leaders are demanding “truth and accountability from the top” ahead of the peaceful protest through Salford.
They have dubbed the event ‘The Last Rally’, but we can only assume there’ll be more fan action as the weeks and possibly months of uncertainty continue.
As you can see, The 1837 are calling for like-minded supporters to rally outside another nearby amateur rugby league football team, Salford City Roosters, before marching on to a second meeting point and, ultimately, the Salford Community Stadium.
Starting in Eccles, with a stop at Barley Farm, before arriving at their club’s home ground in Barton-upon-Irwell, the plan is to gather as much awareness, support and local attention as possible.
Writing in the caption of the above post, they added: “We’ve dominated headlines. We’ve exposed bad ownership. We’ve stood together.
“A history worth fighting for. A future worth protecting. Our last chance to be heard. Don’t stay silent. Make it count.”
Following a recent meeting of the RFL and the two Greater Manchester Mayors, Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett, Salford Red Devils were given somewhat of an even further stay of execution, as it was confirmed that their ‘winding up’/administration deadline has now been adjourned until October.
Nevertheless, the majority of fans are still being kept in the dark about the exact and up-to-date nature of their rugby league club’s situation at present.
Back in June, it looked like new investors could very well still be injecting vital funds to keep key players and staff on the books, but jump to now, and it looks like they don’t know if even things like the big screen even belong to them much longer.
Salford Red Devils aren’t just in debt – our very identity is up for grabs.
The badge. The name. Even the big screen. All signed off as collateral to financiers.
Once again, the march and peaceful protest will take place this Friday, 19 September, prior to the next fixture against Wakefield Trinity.
Getting points on the board will no doubt be a big plus for all, but the game looks like it will very much serve as the backdrop to the wider ongoing saga.
Are you a Red Devils fan, and if so, will you be attending the demonstration? Better still, even if not, what do you make of the circumstances surrounding your side at the moment?
Fantastic to see the fans turn out again, Salford Red Devils will never die 1873 👹🏉 pic.twitter.com/Gne5peQK6u
Mayor Andy Burnham promises Greater Manchester will honour Ricky Hatton ‘properly’
Danny Jones
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has promised that the city and wider boroughs have plans to honour Ricky Hatton MBE following his passing this weekend.
Hatton, just 46, sadly passed away this Sunday, 14 September, with the region left shocked by the sudden and tragic news.
“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes”, writes Burnham, adding: “He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly.”
There seems to be a clear intimation that at least one or more public tributes will be carried out at the earliest opportunity.
Locals and ‘Hitman’ fans alike have been leaving flowers, wreaths and other personal tributes outside his address in Tameside as well as his gym in Hyde.
The minute’s appreciation before the 197th Manchester derby also saw his friend, fellow die-hard Blue and City Square fan zone presenter, Danny Jackson, deliver a touching speech before applause rang out around the stadium, with the Man City manager himself looking visibly moved by the moment.
Pep Guardiola is one of many members around the club, both past and present, to have offered their condolences.
His nephew Jack Hatton has now posted on social media too, saying simply: “I love you so much Uncle Rick. I will always remember all you have done for me and the great times we had together I love you so so much I’m going to do all I can to make you proud.”
énergie Fitness Hyde, home to his well-known gym and popular community outlet, have also shared a statement online, writing: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals.
“His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.
“We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. As a mark of respect, the gym will be closed for the rest of the day. Rest in Peace, Ricky.” Since then, his family have now shared their own statement in full via GMP.
Asking for privacy during this difficult time, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather,and brother, and a true friend to many.
#TRIBUTE | The family of Ricky Hatton have paid tribute to him following his death at the weekend.
They have asked for their privacy as they grieve the man 'who had a heart as big as his smile.'
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”
Blake Keeble -
22nd August 2024 
