CBA embarks on joint venture with British Basketball

Jan 24, 2007 - 10:39 PM ALBANY, New York (Ticker) -- The Continental Basketball Association announced Wednesday that it has entered into a partnership with the the British Basketball Association (BBA).

The partnership is aimed at developing players and raising the profile of the British game ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The CBA/BBA adventure will focus on increasing player, coaching and officiating standards as well as grassroots development of the next generation of British basketball talent.

Other areas of concentration will include joint promotion, sponsorship marketing, media coverage, access to foreign talent and international competition.

Professional basketball in the United Kingdom has been in a state of decline over the past five years resulting in lower overall attendance and decreased player standards. The current professional league has experienced financial and operational difficulties leading to the departure of franchises in key markets.

"We have always stated our objectives are to leverage our network and business experience in order to bring better basketball to Great Britain," BBA executive director Ron Scott said. "Partnering with the CBA with their established platform and record of achievement will give BBA clubs access to the advice, ideas and guidance required to build successful businesses."

"Our new direction at the CBA is to develop and market basketball on a global level by working closely with countries that have rich potential and a passion for sport," said Ricardo Richarson, the chief executive of CBA Properties.

"Working with the BBA and Great Britain as a whole presents us with an exceptional opportunity to use our talents and experience to help build a professional league which will become one of the most competitive in Europe."

The CBA is the world's oldest professional basketball league and is currently entering its 61st year of operation. It is registered with USA Basketball and FIBA and has standing agreements with all major global leagues in the world for the development of players, coaches and management executives.

Over 600 players and coaches have been called up to the NBA since 1979. Several high profile coaches and players are currently serving in the NBA including Phil Jackson, Maurice Cheeks, George Karl, Bruce Bowen, Earl Boykins and Avery Johnson.