Newcastle Eagles go into Sunday’s home opener in the Women’s Super League Basketball (SLB) Championship against Nottingham Wildcats at the Vertu Arena in great heart.

That is because they opened their SLB Championship season last weekend with a solid 91 – 70 win on the road at Leicester Riders.

Head coach Chloe Gaynor said: “Everyone likes to start the season off with a win and there were positive signs with regards to some execution of our offensive identity as well as our activity on defence.

“We’re still not exactly where we need to be but we’re working on all the necessary things and that will start to come together in the coming weeks as we continue to get more game reps.”

The Eagles players no doubt took a lot from that win, analysing the performance as part of their preparations this week for the Wildcats visit.

“The team themselves highlighted some key areas where we didn’t meet our standards last week,which is positive as we try to build a sense of ownership around what we are doing,” Gaynor added.

“They equally highlighted the positives, and we spoke about how we can continue to build on that.

“Our BUCS representatives performed well in their respective opening games, and we’ve been able to get into some more detail-oriented stuff which has been nice.”

In assessing Nottingham’s strengths and weaknesses Gaynor and her players had a little bonus as they got to see and match-up with some of the Wildcats players in midweek British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) action.

“Nottingham are always a tough team to play against. They’re gritty and scrappy – it’s never an easy game against them. They have talent within their roster and the Newcastle University BUCS match up this week was with Nottingham,” the Eagles head coach continued

“So, there has already been the chance for members of both teams to see each other. Nottingham will be looking to respond to the loss last week against Oaklands Wolves and the team are aware of that.”

For quite a few of Gaynor’s new-look 2026/27 roster this will be the first time they have played in front of the famous Geordie fans and Gaynor knows that her team are anticipating that moment.

“I think it’s always a really exciting time. For some of the team this is their first season as a professional athlete, and of playing in this country, and in our venue,” the former Eagles player added.

“I know for our returners, they have been working hard over summer and are looking forward to once again playing at home.

“I’m really excited for them all to be able to experience a home game with the amazing fans we have and for them to truly experience the sixth eagle!”

It should be an intriguing Sunday afternoon game at the Vertu Arena as Gaynor, and her team look to make it two wins from two to start the season.

“Nottingham have height, we’ll have to be locked in defensively to guard the post catches well and limit what they can do from this position,” coach Gaynor concluded.

“For us, we need to bring a more consistent version of last week’s performance and continue stacking great offensive and defensive possessions in order to reach our goal.”

The action all tips-off at 5:00pm and tickets are available on the box office and on the door.