Mersey Tigers “disappointed” at BBL franchise withdrawal

The British Basketball League (BBL) today announced that Mersey Tigers, following a review taken in the off-season, have had their BBL franchise withdrawn and will not participate in the 2013-14 BBL season.

An article on the BBL’s official website, in a build up to next week’s release of fixtures for the forthcoming campaign, was rounded off with the news that Tony Walsh’s team would not take to the court again at BBL level.

Mersey Tigers last season suffered the indignity of being the first ever top-flight side to go an entire BBL season without a single victory in any competition, and as a result of finishing bottom of the table, had their franchise agreement reviewed.

Shortly before 4pm, Mersey Tigers made a short statement on their website:

We were disappointed that the BBL today announced the withdrawal of the Mersey Tigers franchise. We would like to thank our fans for standing by us and hope you understand that, whilst we are in the process of reviewing our options, we will not be making any further comment.

UKAmericanSportsFans.com are led to believe that the decision made had come as a shock to the side from Liverpool, after a great deal of work in the community throughout the summer, and players were believed to be announced over the coming weeks in the run-up to the new season.

The link with EBL Division 4’s Liverpool Basketball Club is believed, at present, not to be affected and the organisations will carry on working together in the future.

  • UKAmericanSportsFans.com will keep you up to date with all the latest developments on this story as and when we get them.