Newcastle Eagles are ready for take-off after the women’s team landed a deal set to make Matt Newby’s side fly.

Newcastle International Airport is the new main sponsor for the ambitious women in black.

And the airport’s logo will be up front and centre as the Eagles run out in their new Reebok kit for the first time on Sunday — against fierce rivals Sheffield Hatters.

Alice Andreasen, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “Newcastle Airport is delighted to be announced as the main sponsor of the Newcastle Eagles’ Women Team today – building on our role as the Men’s Official Airport partner last season.

“We are passionate about encouraging women to consider a career in the aviation industry, and the Eagle’s values and work to promote women in sport in the community align very closely with our own.

“The women’s team is going from strength-to-strength, with record crowds last year and new signings this year – we can’t wait to support them throughout the season ahead. Good luck!”

As part of an exciting partnership, Eagles stars will be working within the airport’s local community to showcase the benefits of basketball.

Players and staff are set to visit schools and community groups — encouraging a new generation of fans to get on board with one of the region’s fastest-growing sports.

And following last season’s run of record-breaking attendances for women’s basketball at the Vertu Motors Arena, hopes are high for another bumper campaign.

“This is huge news for the Eagles women and an acknowledgment of the trajectory of the programme,” said women’s head coach Matt Newby.

“To garner the interest of such a significant player in the local and regional economy is exciting.

“Newcastle International Airport has an excellent reputation as a departure point connecting national and international destinations, facilitating travel across the globe.

“We as a team have used the airport on multiple occasions and the staff have been immense in their support, organisation and hospitality.

“We thank the Airport for their support and hope that this partnership and relationship continues to gain momentum this season and future campaigns.

Newcastle International Airport is a familiar name to Eagles fans following its support of the men’s team last season.

Marc Steutel’s side enjoyed the backing of airport staff throughout their inaugural campaign in the European North Basketball League (ENBL) as the club’s Official Airport Partner.

And the Airport will back on the sidelines with coach Steutel again supporting the men in both their 2024/25 SLB and ENBL campaigns.

“Women’s basketball continues to grow year on year and this partnership is further evidence that the sport is making giant strides,” said Newcastle Eagles’ Managing Director Paul Blake.

“Newcastle International Airport is synonymous with the North East as the gateway to the rest of the world and its reputation for excellence is global.

“To align that brand with our women’s franchise this season is hugely significant.

“We are two organisations that work incredibly hard within our local communities to create opportunities and inspire collaboration.

“There’s so much synergy and I’m confident this partnership can flourish.”

The Eagles men and women are in action this Sunday as pre-season hoops returns to the Vertu Motors Arena.

Newby’s side tip things off against Sheffield from 2:30pm before the men host Surrey 89ers at 5:30pm.

Tickets for the double-header are available from the box office now with doors opening at 2pm.