Slam dunk for British Basketball League as former NBA man takes top job

Aaron Radin / British Basketball League

The British Basketball League has appointed Aaron Radin as its new CEO.

The Leicestershire-based league has turned to Radin – a highly experienced boardroom operator who has spent over 30 years leading sports, media and tech organisations – to help accelerate its growth plans.

Radin has held increasingly senior-level positions with the likes of the NBA, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal and Meta and volunteers as a basketball coach in his spare time.

He also led a grassroots programme which helped hundreds of young people to expand their educational and professional opportunities through the sport.

His appointment comes almost exactly a year after Miami-based 777 Partners invested £7m in return for a 45% stake in the league.

Lenz Balan, director of the British Basketball League, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Aaron to the BBL. His professional achievements, and passion for and understanding of the sport, make him the ideal leader to take British Basketball to the next level during this exciting period of growth.

“It has been a truly remarkable year for the league and Aaron’s appointment highlights our commitment to accelerating the commercial growth of the BBL and the longer-term success of our clubs, players and partners both domestically and in Europe.”

Radin said: “I am thrilled to join the British Basketball League at this critical point in its history. Between the new investment of capital into the league, the creation of new broadcast partnerships and the return to European competition, the BBL is just beginning to deliver on its goal to generate joy for its fans and value for its marketing and distribution partners.

“I am excited for the challenge to help the league fully deliver on that promise and I look forward to working with our clubs, owners and investors, as we join forces to become one of the most competitive and exciting basketball leagues in the world.”

He added: “We are committed to continuing to attract the most talented players to the British Basketball League from across the globe, as well as providing a platform for British athletes to fulfil their potential here in the UK as well as on the global stage.”

The British Basketball League was formed in 1987 and operates under the FIBA Europe Federation. It is contested by ten teams: Bristol Flyers, Caledonia Gladiators, Cheshire Phoenix, Leicester Riders, London Lions, Manchester Giants, Newcastle Eagles, Plymouth City Patriots, B. Braun Sheffield Sharks and Surrey Scorchers.

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