BBL, the premier League for men’s Club basketball competition in the UK, announces the formation of a new BBL Commercial Steering Group (CSG) to drive forward the commercial and strategic opportunities for the BBL. The CSG will have external expertise to bring independent knowledge and views to the development of the BBL’s sports and media rights packages, and BBL’s commercial strategy.
BBL Chairman Paul Blake said, ‘The formation of the BBL CSG is an important step for the organization. The BBL has developed and is delivering one of the largest community schools sports programmes in the UK, through our Hoops 4 Health programme, the BBL’s digital interactions with fans is growing exponentially, membership of BBL Clubs are growing exceptionally, and we expect to make announcements soon about new commercial partnerships. In addition, the continued success of the GB team, the expected presence of the GB teams at the London Olympics and our own franchise discussions for London and other major UK cities, are combining to present new and exciting opportunities for BBL to grow. By involving outside expertise, through the CSG, we believe the BBL will be best able to exploit our rights and grow the sport.”
The initial BBL CSG comprises Kevin Routledge, a Director of the Leicester franchise, former BBL Chairman from 1988 to 2002, former England Basketball Director, and who now works for a major UK private equity firm in London. Kevin has been involved with the Leicester Club since 1974, and was a Director of BBL at its formation in 1987.
With Kevin, is Christian Kumar who brings 20 years of experience in Banking, Structured Finance & Corporate Finance combined with expertise in business strategy, strategic selling and analysis. Christian works with a diverse client base which includes PLCs, international firms, large independents, SMEs and high net worth private individuals in a variety of sectors from property to technology, retail and motor sports. Christian has worked with a diverse range of funding partners including Merrill Lynch, Lloyds TSB Corporate and Credit Suisse and through to boutique banks. Christian is an active participant in philanthropic activity and work with a number of high profile charities, in fundraising and event management. Christian had worked with the Prince’s Trust for 10 years through 2009, latterly serving as the vice chair for the Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire Prince’s Trust. Christian also involved in the management several high profile events, such as the India V England Polo match, CK Grand Prix and the Jingle Bell Ball.
Also on the BBL CSG is Simon Vumbaca of legal firm EMW Picton Howell. Simon is a leading international lawyer specialising in the sports and media industry. He brings to the BBL his experience of boardroom negotiations and all legal aspects in sport and media rights. With over 15 years experience in the sport and media legal industry, Simon is EMW Picton Howell’s “go to” for specialist sport legal advice. Simon has acted for elite athletes, regulatory bodies and sponsors in most of the popular European sports, including football, motorsport, rugby, basketball, athletics etc. Simon is a Registered Lawyer under The FA Football Agents Regulations (The Football Association of England). Simon’s main areas of legal support include: image rights, disciplinary proceedings, elite immigration, endorsements, passing-off, injunctions, doping control, sport disputes, player contracts, and sponsor negotiations.
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
