As the British Basketball League prepares to congregate on Sunday for a the 2013 BBL Play-Off Final, BBL Chairman Paul Blake believes there is cause to celebrate even before the absorbing 2012-13 season reaches a thrilling climax.

“Even before this coveted last piece of silverware has been handed out to either the Riders or the Eagles, there are reasons for us all to celebrate” said Blake.

“The BBL is in an exciting position right now, since we have already achieved, or are getting close to achieving a number of key strategic goals and priorities.

“We are developing a strong reputation for the way our Final events are being managed and the commercial success they now bring for the league in comparison to a few years ago, is hugely significant.

“Our appointment of BBL Commercial Director, David Leyden Dunbar last year, was also important and he continues to make progress in building and advancing opportunities with commercial partners.

“Specifically, off the back of our excellent deal with Spalding, we are continuing to pursue product category sponsors as part of our commercial development.”

He continued “Crucially, we are now also on the brink of ensuring professional basketball is present in our three major cities of London, Manchester and Birmingham – something which has been a major focus for us and is related directly to the dedicated aim of building a 16 team league.

“Our relationship with governing body partners is as strong as it has ever been and with all of this in mind, I am confident the current position can act as a potential springboard towards even better things.”

So where should the focus be for the BBL in the future? Well, Blake is absolutely clear as to where energies should be directed moving forward.

“Perhaps the most vital thing during the next three to five years, is that we all, as individual clubs, place a strong and determined focus on developing facilities” he said.

“There is a direct correlation between our strength and success as a league moving forward and clubs being able to run their own venues as community arenas – essentially venues that are a focal point for the local community during the week and then an arena for pro-basketball at weekends.”

“Overall, I am delighted with progress” confirmed Blake.

“And, I’m confident the league can continue moving from strength to strength and we will get another great event and game to savour on Sunday.”