Sheffield Sharks and Hatters taken over by Millette

American entrepreneur Vaughn Millette has taken a controlling stake in the Sheffield Sharks and Sheffield Hatters basketball clubs to become the main owner of both.

Managing director Sarah Backovic has been appointed chief executive of the company, while Sharks boss Atiba Lyons and Hatters head coach Vanessa Ellis have also signed “long-term” contracts.

The deal comes after a consortium of clubs was granted a license to run professional men’s basketball in the UK.

“These teams are much more than competitions, they are an important part of the community and provide a vehicle through which young people can benefit in many ways,” Millette said on the Sharks website.

“Of course, they are both steeped in a winning culture and my aim is to make sure we are competing for top spots in all our competitions.”

The future of the British Basketball League was thrown into doubt in June when the British Basketball Association terminated its previous agreement with Basketball League Ltd (BLL) to run the league due to “clear license breaches” and financial concerns.

Premier Basketball Limited, a company formed by a consortium of British clubs, has now been granted a three-year license which “enables the completion of preparations for the 2024-25 season”.

“We are excited to welcome Vaughn as the club’s new principal owner, he brings a wealth of business experience and basketball knowledge that will only serve to enhance performance and growth,” said CEO Backovic.

“We look forward to a positive future building a successful program.”