British Basketball League 2006-07

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**BBL seasons**
2007-08 • 2006-07 • 2005-06
2004-05 • 2003-04 • 2002-03
2001-02 • 2000-01 • 1999-00
1998-99 • 1997-98 • 1996-97
1995-96 • 1994-95 • 1993-94
1992-93 • 1991-92 • 1990-91
1989-90 • 1988-89 • 1987-88

The 2006-07 BBL season, the 20th since its establishment of the British Basketball League, started on September 29, 2006 when reigning champions Newcastle Eagles began with a 85-83 loss away to Sheffield Sharks.

There are 10 teams are taking to the field this season, including two new franchises to the BBL, London United and the Worcester Wolves, who both moved up from the English Basketball League during the summer of 2006.

The new additions were brought in after three teams withdrew from the League before the start of the season. Brighton Bears and London Towers are both taking a "one year break" ^[1] while Birmingham Bullets have since gone into liquidation.

1 Notable occurances
2 Current standings
3 Playoffs
4 BBL Cup
5 BBL Trophy
6 Notes

[edit] Notable occurances

Following on from Brighton and Birmingham's decision to withdraw from the league, London Towers announced they were to be the third, and most high-profile team to sit out the upcoming season.
London United and Worcester Wolves were both elected from the English Basketball League to replace the three departed teams, and to keep franchises in the major markets of London and the Midlands.
A £2.5 million sponsorship deal was agreed on September 22, 2006, between the BBL and national broadcaster MKTV, including primetime TV coverage of 40 live games per season, high profile sponsorship and a National Community Development Programme.
Molten, the world’s leading manufacturer of inflatable sports balls, signed a ball sponsorship with the BBL worth £150,000 prior to the season opening. The new GG7 ball was unveiled on September 25 as the official matchball for the next three seasons.
New league franchise Worcester Wolves record their first ever BBL win on October 7, a 82-79 home victory against Chester Jets.
The BBL Cup final took place at the National Indoor Arena, in Birmingham on January 7, 2007, and saw Guildford Heat claim their first Championship since foundation 18 months previous, with an 81-78 win against Scottish Rocks. The game was the first ever BBL match to be broadcast live over the internet, reaching a potentially worldwide audience.
Plymouth Raiders also won their first silverware since stepping-up to the BBL, with a 74-65 win in the BBL Trophy final against holders Newcastle Eagles on March 4. Held at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena, the game was the first to be broadcast live on national television in over four years, as part of the sponsorship agreement with MKTV.
Leicester Riders guard, and former Los Angeles Lakers star Steve Bucknall, as well as Guildford star Chad McKnight both test positive for marijuana and are each handed a three month suspension. However, the story only comes to public attention several months later ^[2].
This seasons playoffs will conclude with the Finals Weekend held at the Metro Radio Arena, in Newcastle on April 28 and April 29.

[edit] Current standings

Last updated November 12, 2006

Team	Pts	Pld	W	L	Percentage
1. Milton Keynes Lions	10	6	5	1	0.833
2. Sheffield Sharks	10	7	5	2	0.714
3. Guildford Heat	8	5	4	1	0.800
4.= London United	8	7	4	3	0.571
4.= Newcastle Eagles	8	7	4	3	0.571
4.= Plymouth Raiders	8	7	4	3	0.571
7. Scottish Rocks	8	8	4	4	0.500
8. Leicester Riders	6	9	3	6	0.333
9. Chester Jets	4	7	2	5	0.286
10. Worcester Wolves	2	9	1	8	0.111

[edit] Playoffs

The Championship Playoffs will commence following the completion of the regular League season. The top eight placed teams at the end of the season will advance into the Playoffs, which will conclude with the Finals Weekend on April 28 and April 29, 2007.