Clark launches 89ers to replace folding Scorchers

Former Great Britain international Dan Clark and his business partner Jodie Jackson are launching the Surrey 89ers to replace the Surrey Scorchers

Former Great Britain basketball player Dan Clark has launched a new Guildford-based franchise - the Surrey 89ers - to replace the folding Surrey Scorchers.

The Scorchers had been stalwarts of the British Basketball League since the team were formed under the name Guildford Heat in 2005.

However, uncertainty around the league's future led the University of Surrey to pull its funding for the team amid "economic headwinds in the higher education sector".

Clark, who is general manager of the senior British men's national side, was part of the Scorchers' management team and had been planning to launch a new franchise to replace the club when it announced its closure.

But he and business partner Jodie Jackson had not expected that to happen so soon.

"We had to react quickly," Clark said. "It's basically a carry over - the same staff, manager and people, just a different ownership group, so we're really excited."

89ers part of consortium creating new league

Clark and Jackson announced the new brand in a statement on their account on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The move will ensure elite level basketball can continue in Surrey and Guildford, remaining at the Surrey Sports Park - home to the Scorchers since 2015.

Basketball League Ltd (BLL) had its contract terminated last month after the British Basketball Federation (BBF) received information on its finances that suggested BLL was "no longer able to carry out its functions".

The BLL had operated the men's game since being awarded a 10-year licence by the sport's governing body in 2017.

A three-year interim licence has since been awarded to Premier Basketball Ltd, formed by a consortium of British clubs which includes the 89ers, Clark confirmed.

"We are very much part of elite basketball in the UK and very much looking forward," he said.

Clark confirmed Lloyd Gardner would continue as head coach of the team.