London Lions Gain Record Viewership & Propels British Basketball's Rapid Growth

London Lions Gain Record Viewership & Helps Propel British Basketball's Rapid Growth

British basketball continues its rapid growth in popularity as recent viewership figures show that the London Lions' EuroCup game on Wednesday, 18th January, against Aquila Basket Trento, broadcast on BT Sport 1, gained an incredible 181% increase in peak viewership from the last peak record. The sport's trajectory has seen a steep incline throughout the season, with the latest record also sitting a staggering 1445% higher than the first Lions game broadcast on BT Sport 1 in October. 

Mirroring this broadcast success, the London Lions' last two European home games have boasted sold-out crowds at the Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley. Alongside this, the British Basketball League confirmed record attendances last season, with over 15,000 attendees at The O2 Arena when the Lions faced Leicester Riders in the BBL Play-Off Final.

The London team has assembled a star-studded roster this season with a hybrid of homegrown tier-one talent, in addition to ex-NBA and further international signings, ranging from Ovie Soko to Sam Dekker, Kosta Koufous and Tomislav Zubčić.

The Lions are breaking records this season as they became the first-ever British team to win five games in the EuroCup with victory on Wednesday away to Aquila Trento Basket. 

Mani Gill, Head of Broadcast at the British Basketball League, stated:
 
"We are thrilled to see the significant growth in TV viewership, as UK audiences continue to tune in in record-breaking numbers to watch the London Lions compete in the 7DAYS EuroCup competition across BT Sport.

It is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the teams, players, and organisations involved in the competition, who have been working tirelessly to promote and develop the game. 

“This increased viewership is a clear indication that their efforts are paying off and that basketball is becoming more popular in the UK. Our goal is to continue to build on this momentum and bring the excitement of basketball to an even broader audience – by increasing the reach of our coverage, but also by providing more opportunities for fans to engage with the sport through community-led event and grassroots initiatives.”