We are delighted to announce that Preston Basketball Club is rebranding as City of Preston Basketball, a change that formally recognises the growing network of partners across the city who share in the club's mission on and off the court.

The new name and logo reflect a club that has expanded significantly beyond its original roots since starting at Penwortham Priory 40 years ago. The first iteration of the club was Preston Pride, which later became Preston Basketball and now the change to City of Preston Basketball is intended to reflect the footprint the club provides for, across the whole of the City. With more than 2,000 registered members, 370 current players, 24 coaches and 15 teams spanning Under 7s through to Over 35s, the club's basketball community has grown through building strong ties with Myerscough College, Cardinal Newman College, Preston’s College, The University of Lancashire, Broughton High School and Vault Youth Zone over the past decade. The rebrand gives that shared identity a name to match.
Central to the change is the strengthening of the partnership between the club and Myerscough Basketball Academy. The two organisations have joined forces to build a single talent pathway for junior members, connecting foundation-level sessions through to the Club's National League performance programme with further progression offered through Myerscough’s Academy. Players will now have the opportunity to progress through one connected pathway from their first sessions at Under 7s through to Academy basketball and on to Senior Basketball.

Director Andy Thrower said the change marks a significant moment for the club. "This rebrand is about recognising the history of the club whilst looking forward to what is an incredibly exciting time for all involved. Over the past few years, we have sought to develop collaboration outside of the Club’s Cardinal Newman base now working alongside many of the City’s colleges, schools, University and youth zone to offer greater access to basketball for the local population. A brand that helps identify that and signals our intent to widen our social impact is certainly more than just a new logo, it’s an exciting step for our future."

Neal Hopkins, City of Preston Under 11 Head Coach & Myerscough Basketball Academy Head Coach and Performance Lead, echoed that excitement about what the partnership can offer junior players. "Bringing basketball together under one pathway means our young players no longer hit a ceiling. We can now develop them collectively, from their earliest sessions right through to Academy and National League basketball, with everyone working to the same plan. That’s a real opportunity for this city’s talent and a chance to build on our growing basketball culture in the area."

Director and Head Coach Sam Fitzpatrick echoed the sentiment. “It feels great to get the official rebrand out in the open, after a lot of work behind the scenes. This is a fantastic move for basketball in the city and further aligns our partnership with Myerscough College.”

The rebrand follows the club's strongest season in its’ history, including the Under 16 National League team winning their division, and second-place finishes for the Senior National League team, Under 14 National League and Under 14 Regional League teams. Our Under 18 Regional League team also won their division and play-offs, completing the clean sweep of Basketball North West silverware in their age group. The club saw other significant highlights through continued growth of the girls' and Over 35s programmes. A new club website, currently in development, will launch shortly alongside the rebrand to showcase the pathway and the club's City-wide partnerships in full.

City of Preston Basketball will continue to operate all of the sessions as communicated with members and the trading entity and ethos of Preston Basketball CIC (Community Interest Company) will remain.