Basketball: Leopards' resurrection is on the cards

Supporters' plans to resurrect the Essex Leopards franchise, which dropped out of the British Basketball League last summer, have been welcomed by the sport's governing body England Basketball. The Leopards Alive group have until 31 March to apply to join the English Basketball League, which EB administrates and which is the level beneath the fully-professional, American-dominated BBL, which has lost three clubs over the past three years. Leopards Alive spokesman, Dave Ryan, said: "The EBL is packed full of British talent and being on the outskirts of London we are in a position to field a successful team in it. We believe there is enough support in the area to run a successful side in the EBL."

Supporters' plans to resurrect the Essex Leopards franchise, which dropped out of the British Basketball League last summer, have been welcomed by the sport's governing body England Basketball.

The Leopards Alive group have until 31 March to apply to join the English Basketball League, which EB administrates and which is the level beneath the fully-professional, American-dominated BBL, which has lost three clubs over the past three years. Leopards Alive spokesman, Dave Ryan, said: "The EBL is packed full of British talent and being on the outskirts of London we are in a position to field a successful team in it. We believe there is enough support in the area to run a successful side in the EBL."

The Leopards' application would be considered by the National League Committee. The EB chief executive, Keith Mair, said: "The panel would look seriously at their application, particularly as they are talking about developing local talent."

The Brentwood-based BBL Leopards, winners of the championship, twice, and the National Cup withdrew last summer when husband and wife owners, Ed and Annie Simons, failed to find a buyer.

Leopards Alive was formed in September. Ryan said: "We were serious about resurrecting the club in the BBL, but after meetings with both the BBL and local bodies we came to the conclusion it simply wasn't viable.

"Without a major backer, the expense of running a professional team in the BBL was too great. With the support of basketball fans in Essex and the local council we are confident we can build on the support Leopards enjoyed and hopefully win some silverware."