Heading into another exciting home game this weekend Newcastle Eagles WBBL are toasting thanks to long-term backers Enigma Tap as the Tyneside-based bar doubled-down on its support of women’s hoops.
The North Shields-based micropub has become a popular fixture on the North East’s leisure scene after opening its doors in 2019.
And the Enigma Tap brand is just as familiar to followers of women’s basketball with co-owners Luke and Abbie Orwin supporting Newcastle Eagles WBBL for a third year on the bounce.
“The last year has been a real eye opener in terms of just where the WBBL is headed and how far women’s basketball in the UK can go,” said Luke.
“There’s a real focus from top to bottom both at club level and league-wide.
“Last season’s The Big One proved what I’ve known from day one — the WBBL has huge potential.”
Luke has been one of the Newcastle WBBL franchise’s staunchest supporters since the team moved from Northumbria University to become part of the Eagles family.
But on the court his backing goes back even further and the hoops addict remains a key figure behind the scenes.
As Noelia Cacheiro’s assistant coach, Luke is involved in the day-to-day running of the team and he explained: “I guess it’s a unique situation.
“I’m able to help Noelia and the club as an insider and as a sponsor from the outside.
“It feels as if the Enigma Tap sponsorship is the added value I can bring to the relationship.
“And that’s what I want to do — add value on the court and commercially.
“From the business perspective I’d like to think that at some point soon the club and the WBBL team will outgrow Enigma Tap and be in the market for next-level sponsorship.
“That’s the dream.
“If we get to the point where other businesses are taking notice of Noelia and her team — and they recognise the commercial gain that sponsorship can bring — then great.
“Enigma Tap will step aside and feel proud that the business has played some part in helping the WBBL team get to the next level.
“But for now we’re right behind the women’s team. We’re in a position to help in the short term and we’ll continue to do that.”
Enigma Tap branding is loud and proud on the players’ shorts once again this season and heading into this Saturday night’s tip-off against Oaklands Wolves, Luke is excited to be a part of the programme.
“I’ve always had an interest in basketball. It’s a sport that’s got plenty of potential and ambition,” he added.
“When Newcastle Eagles stepped in to take over the club it felt like an opportunity to take the sport to the next level.
“I’m not just a sponsor. I’m a supporter and I’m an assistant coach. I’m invested in this team on so many levels!”
Find out more about sponsoring the Newcastle Eagles by emailing [email protected]
Tickets for the WBBL home game against Oaklands Wolves are available on the box office now.
