Cheshire Phoenix have brought on US investment firm SDSsports as majority shareholders, following investment in the club for an undisclosed sum.
SDSsports LLC, a US based International investment firm with ownership stakes in Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League) and the New Zealand Breakers (NBL Australia), is a family run business whose president is Denise White, the mother of Phoenix player Skyler White.
Hoopsfix understands SDSsports were brought to the table by Skyler while he was in the midst of contract extension talks following his success at the club.
“Cheshire Phoenix is a special club with a rich tradition of community involvement, fantastic management, incredible fans and dedicated volunteers,” Denise White, President of SDSsports said.
“Phoenix is a great fit for our company with our focus on winning, growing the sport in the UK and building the community. We have ties to the Cheshire area and the quality of the people is something we wanted to be a part of. Our partnership with Cheshire Phoenix will help fuel the further success of the club, not define it and we can’t wait to get started.”
Discussions began in early January with SDSsports, whose owners have been present at a number of the club’s home games at Ellesmere Port Sports Village last season.
They also witnessed the historic Trophy Final victory against London Lions in Birmingham this past January.
“We are delighted to welcome SDSsports to the Phoenix family,” said club Chairman Gary Thomas.
“Their expertise and enthusiasm for basketball and the Phoenix make them a perfect fit for our club, and we look forward to achieving great things together.”
General Manager James Brice added:
“We are excited to work with SDSsports and are looking forward to a new era of growth and success for the club. Getting to know SDSsports and the people behind the organisation over the past 7 months has been a great experience, together we will continue to give the fans a team they can be proud of.”
This new partnership comes at an exciting time for Phoenix, off the back of the 2023/24 season campaign that saw the club reach new heights, winning the Trophy as well as a second place league finish and Playoff Final appearance.
Phoenix become the second professional franchise to receive investment this month, as Sheffield Sharks announced new owner Vaughn Millette.
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