Newcastle Eagles women’s head coach Matt Newby is delighted that he has been able to bring last season’s play-maker Lauren Saiki back for the 2024/25 Super League Basketball season.

This will be Saiki’s first full campaign as an Eagle after she first landed on Tyneside in December last year as one of Newby’s first changes in his initial tenure with the club.

The influential creative on-court general showed all her qualities with a leading role in the Eagles run to The O2 Play-Offs Final, averaging 8.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and led the league in assists with 7.3 per game.


Lauren Saiki proved to be a key addition to coach Newby’s rejuvenated Eagles roster last season. (Photos: Gary Forster)

It was the second time Saiki had led the UK’s top-flight women’s league in assists in the three seasons she’s been in the country. Doing so in her second season with Cardiff Met Archers after finishing second the previous year.

“Returning Lauren to the Eagles roster is an exciting move,” said Newby.

“Her dynamic play and ability to create has helped her standout in the women’s league.”


“Last season we made a move to bring her in essentially a third of the way into the season and it changed the complexion of our offence and transition game.

“She’s a player that leaves everything on the floor and puts her body on the line every game.

“I trust we will only see higher returns in 2024/25.”

Play-maker Saiki was a big favourite with the fans as she facilitated high-scoring runs for our Eagles all the way to the 2023/24 Play-Offs Final. (Photos: Gary Forster)

Being able to bring a player back to the club is a good sign on two fronts. Firstly, it shows faith from the club in the player that they want to return her and secondly it shows the player is happy in the environment she’s returning to.


“I’m so excited to run it back with the Eagles this season and pick up where we left off”, Saiki added.

“It will be nice to have a full season with coach Matt [Newby] and the squad.

“I can’t wait to get back out there in front of the best fans in the league, who continued to grow and support us throughout the season, and our Play-Offs run to The O2.”

The 2024/25 Newcastle Eagles women’s team is beginning to take on a very exciting shape and fans will be looking forward to meeting them at The Launch on Friday 6th September in their Vertu Motors Arena home.