Braehead’s basketball team, the Scottish Phoenix Honda Rocks, will enjoy increased exposure thanks to a new TV sponsorship deal and National Community Development Programme.

MKTV, a new Sky television channel due to launch in 2007, has secured the rights to broadcast 40 British Basketball League (BBL) games a year, in a ‘prime-time’ slot, for the next 10 years. The new channel will also contribute £2.5 million to fund BBL development posts.

BBL Chairman Paul Blake said, ‘This partnership with MKTV is a great opportunity for sport. There is a lot of young basketball talent in this country that we would like to develop at all levels. Increased coverage of the game on MKTV should dramatically raise its popularity and allow us to retain future star players in this country.’

MKTV CEO Jawad Siddiqui said, ‘Basketball is one of Europe’s fastest growing sports. MKTV’s collaboration with the BBL will create the exposure the sport’s thriving grass roots fan base deserves.’

The BBL’s National Community Development Programme (NCDP), ‘Hoops for Health’, intends to be introduced in 50 per cent of UK schools and hopes to attract 750,000 participants per year. The initiative has the backing of Minister for Sport in England Richard Caborn, who said, ‘Basketball is a modern, vibrant sport that has enormous potential to attract and engage with young people.’

Mr Siddiqui added, ‘Accessibility is key and working with government agencies and the BBL, combined with MKTV’s coverage over the next decade, will be vital to its success.’

MKTV is seeking a ‘headline sponsor’ to play a major role in the NCDP. As well as funding the programme, the sponsor will also participate in activities from schools, youth and amateur sides to professional teams.