Sheffield Sharks confident in their future despite BBL warning

Further bulletins from the Government this week banned indoor sports of more than six people, throwing the resumption of basketball at elite level into doubt.

But that has since been clarified to ensure the BBL, and national leagues for both men and women and junior basketball, is exempt from the ‘rule of six’.

The BBL was due to recommence behind closed doors on the first weekend of October, with Sharks not due to start until October 16. But with discussions between the BBL, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) ongoing, Sharks general manager Sarah Backovic expects the start of the season to be delayed.

“We need to be able to ensure that all teams are able to compete and are financially viable,” she said, amid a warning from the BBL that clubs could be lost due to an absence of ticket revenue.

“In the meantime we are continuing to deliver our important work in the community, the team is training and we will be ready when the season gets going.”

It has certainly not stopped their recruitment, with Sharks this week announcing the signing of Jodhe Campbell, 22.

And there are no immediate concerns for the club’s future, with a good sponsorship network and the fact they do not occupy a facility which is currently sat empty, working in their favour.

Backovic added: “Six months is obviously not ideal but we are very lucky in Sheffield that we have a lot of support.

“We will make sure we are prepared for the worst-case scenario, and we have our streaming platforms and pay-per-view offerings that hopefully help replace the ticket revenue lost. We just have to hope the Government relaxes their mesaures sooner rather than later.”

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