Top-level professional basketball is returning to Guildford. It has been announced today that fans and players of the Thames Valley Tigers Basketball Club, following the current owners decision to stop operating the team, will be forming a new team at Spectrum Leisure Complex called ‘Guildford Heat’.

The move marks a full circle for the club since it originally formed as the Guildford Pirates in Guildford before moving to Bracknell to become the Thames Valley Tigers. 

The switch will bring the British Basketball League back to Guildford for the first time since the demise of the Guildford Kings ten years ago. 

New Heat Chairman and avid basketball fan, Mike Davies, was instrumental in bringing the ‘Heat’ to Spectrum after negotiations to take over the running of the Tigers franchise proved futile when owner John Nike withdrew from talks. 

He commented, “I have been very impressed with the set-up here at Guildford and I am looking forward to a long and successful relationship. We are hoping that we can be as successful on the court as off it!”

The team have set their stall out by aiming for a Playoff Place, but with the improved facilities for players and spectators at Spectrum they might even pickup some silverware along the way.

Spectrum General Manager, Peter Gunn, is delighted to welcome professional basketball back to the town. “It is such a positive step for Spectrum and Guildford to have another professional sport in the town. The club will be getting involved in the community with coaching initiatives and holiday camps, visiting local schools and developing the popular basketball club here at Spectrum.”

The British Basketball League Chairman, Vincent Macaulay added, “This is fantastic news for the sport, the situation with the Tigers did not resolve itself, so now a new team is born, I wish all involved the best for a thrilling BBL season to come.”