Manchester Basketball set to make history at first-ever Super League Cup finals in the city

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Basketball men's and women's team both in Super League Cup Finals 2026

In case you missed the latest landmark for Manchester Basketball, both of our men’s and women’s teams have officially reached the 2026 Super League Cup Finals.

Aside from being a huge achievement for the fresh sporting franchise in itself, things are now all set up for a perfect weekend for local fans, with the conclusion of the Super League Cup taking place in our city for the very first time.

This year is just the second campaign of the regional basketball organisation’s next chapter, having rebranded from Manchester Giants as part of the SLB’s wider unification process with the British Basketball League, which began in late 2025.

All that being said, it’s quite a watershed moment for this new and improved outfit – and pretty soon, too, so here’s hoping they can follow it up with a dream ending against the kings and queens of the capital.

It’s rare you get both the male and female members from the same side making it to the final of a major competition in the same year, not to mention having it hosted on their own turf.

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Zak Irvin, Captain of the Men’s side, said in a statement: “Since I arrived here, the goal has been to bring championships home to the city.

“Our team has a great opportunity to do that in front of a Manchester crowd on the 22nd. It’s going to be an electric final, and having the backing of the Manchester crowd can be a real difference maker.”

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With multiple Manc natives like Kaiyem Cleary, Demi Babalola and Irene Oboavwoduo in the squad – all of whom have come through the club’s junior pathways – they’ve got hometown pride on the line, too.

And better yet, they’ve already proved that they can make sure the weight of the occasion doesn’t get the better of them, having just won a major European knockout match as part of the MOBOs Fringe Festival earlier this week.

Facing off against KK Dubrava from Zagreb, they managed to pull off a narrow victory, beating the Croatians 94-92 to make it through to the quarter-finals of this year’s European North Basketball League (ENBL) knockout phase.

17-year-old Irene added, “It means a lot to me to play in a Cup final in my home city. Having my family and friends there, as well as all the support for Manchester, will be incredible.

“To play in a domestic final around the corner from where I’ve grown up is really unique. We’re all excited for the game; it will be a great occasion.”

With the stage set for what we have every faith will be an unforgettable conclusion at the AO Arena, it’s on us to make sure they’ve got the stands on their side.

Taking place on Sunday, 22 March, with seat prices starting from just £26 for adults (or £65 if you want to sit courtside), let’s help Manchester Basketball get over the line against London Lions.

You can grab your tickets right HERE.

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via MCR Basketball/AO Arena)

The Pussycat Dolls announce major comeback with huge global arena tour

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour with a Manchester date

Global pop icons The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour, with 50+ shows across Europe and North America.

The pop icons will be performing a massive show here in Manchester as part of the tour, which kicks off this summer.

The Pussycat Dolls have been teasing their return this week, plastering hints on venues across the UK – including the Co-op Live, which displayed a pink digital ad reading ‘Don’t cha wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow??’

The multi-platinum pop supergroup will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut record, PCD.
They’ll be supported on the European leg of the tour, which will bring them to the UK in September and October, by Lil’ Kim.

The PCD Forever tour will span a whopping 53 dates, where they’ll perform their chart-topping hits including the 5x platinum Buttons, plus Don’t Cha, and Stickwitu.

The Pussycat Dolls were pop heavyweights in the 2000s, known for their electrifying choreography and live performances.

The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour with a Manchester date
The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour with a Manchester date. Credit: Rankin

Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts will be back together once again this year for what will be their biggest international run in years.

They’ll be releasing a new song for the first time since 2019 – Club Song is produced by Mike Sabbath (RAYE, Jade) and written by Nicole Scherzinger with Sabbath, Caroline Ailin (Dua Lipa) and Solly (Teddy Swims).

General tickets will go on sale from 10am on Friday 20 March, but fans can sign up for pre-sale at pcdforever.com by Monday to access tickets early.

Pussycat Dolls European tour dates in full

  • 9 Sep – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena
  • 10 Sep – Oslo, NO – Oslo Spektrum
  • 13 Sep – Luxembourg, LU – Rockhal
  • 14 Sep – Munich, DE – Olympiahalle
  • 16 Sep – Warsaw, PL – COS Torwar
  • 18 Sep – Antwerp, BE – AFAS Dome
  • 19 Sep – Paris, FR – Accor Arena
  • 21 Sep – Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion
  • 23 Sep – Prague, CZ – O2 Arena
  • 26 Sep – Dusseldorf, DE – PSD Bank Dome
  • 27 Sep – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome
  • 29 Sep – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
  • 30 Sep – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
  • 2 Oct – Leeds, UK – First Direct Bank Arena
  • 3 Oct – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
  • 5 Oct – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
  • 7 Oct – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • 9 Oct – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena
  • 10 Oct – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • 13 Oct – London, UK – The O2

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Featured image: Supplied, Rankin

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