The curtain-raising weekend of the 2026/27 the Super League Basketball saw the grand introduction of Liverpool Basketball, a titleholder double and a delayed take-off for the Flyers.
Bristol Flyers 78 – 80 London Lions
As the much-anticipated 2026/27 campaign tipped off, the primary question on everyone’s mind was clear – can anybody stop the London Lions? Fresh from a domestic quadruple after clearing up on all fronts last season, Tautvydas Sabonis’ men travelled to the SGS College Arena to face the Bristol Flyers.
The teams went blow-for-blow through most of the opening half, before London’s second unit took over in the second period, led by Landrius Horton and Deane Williams. As the teams split for half-time, the Lions held a seven-point advantage.
Through the dynamic 19-point scoring display of Davion Bailey and versatile performance from Cameron Holden, Bristol stayed in the contest in the second half, even earning a lead down the stretch. However, through a clutch shot from beyond the arc and some steady-handed shooting at the free-throw line, the champions eventually kick-started their title defence with a tight two-point W.
Player of the Game
New recruit Devante Jones made quite the impression, adding 10 assists and two steals to a respectable 12-point scoring haul, while finishing the game with a PIR of 18.
Caledonia Gladiators 78 – 73 Liverpool Basketball
Though it was a familiar tale of Lions success in Bristol, the opening chapter of a new tale began further north, as the Caledonia Gladiators welcomed Liverpool’s newly-formed basketball club for their inaugural contest.
Roy Rogers’ team flew out of the blocks, earning a narrow lead in the opening moments that they would hold for the majority of the clash. Captain Damiri Lindo led the way for the North West outfit, as they staved off their resilient hosts.
However, as Liverpool’s perimeter shooting cooled down, the Glads caught fire when it mattered. Timely triples from Al-Amir Dawes, Matthew Zona and Terry Roberts pushed the home team over the hump. When Roberts splashed home with 30 seconds remaining and Dawes cooly finished at the line in the closing moments, Caledonia had spoiled Liverpool’s welcome party and earned a five-point victory.
Player of the Game
American guard Terry Roberts enjoyed a fruitful debut, earning a PIR of 18 and putting up 16 points on his way to opening night success.
London Lions 84 – 76 Newcastle Eagles
In the second half of their double-header weekend, London played host to the Newcastle Eagles on Sunday night.
If there were tired legs in the Lions roster, they hid it well at the start, as they raced to a 6-0 lead in the opening minutes. Newcastle came back swinging however, with bench buckets from Trevond Barnes and Mitch Clarke opening up a double-digit lead in the opening period. Though London pushed back, Marc Steutel’s men managed to hold on to a three-point advantage at the break.
Though Tavis Smith took the reins for Newcastle in the third, it didn’t take long for the champs to step up. Thomas Kennedy put on a bruising interior display, while Deane Williams – starting after Friday’s impressive bench contribution – edged his team ahead. Major makes from Devante Jones widened the gap to double figures down the stretch and the Eagles couldn’t find a route back into the tie.
When the final buzzer sounded, London had moved to 2-0 and their opponents started their campaign with tough eight-point loss, but with plenty of positive signs to build from.
Player of the Game
Devante Jones carried the positive momentum from his debut into this one, finishing the content with 16 points, 4 assists and 2 steals, as well as a 15 PIR.
Cheshire Phoenix 92 – 101 Bristol Flyers
Also facing their second team of the weekend, the Bristol Flyers travelled to the Cheshire Oaks Arena to face last year’s Championship runners up, the Cheshire Phoenix.
Hoping to bounce back from Friday’s loss, Bristol moved ahead from the opening basket, led by the typically strong play of Cameron Holden. Cheshire shared the offensive responsibility to stay within touching distance for the opening half, but big-time shot-making from Matteus Case and Michael Diggins Jr kept the road team on top.
Though Isaiah Gray and Nazir Williams continuously rose for the Phoenix, the Flyers couldn’t be grounded throughout the second half. Davion Bailey dictated play in the final frame, scoring steadily to help Bristol grab their all-important first win of the new season. Meanwhile, Cheshire will have a few days to recover from the nine-point loss, as they prepare to face London on Wednesday.
Player of the Game
Zachary Anderson made a huge difference for his team, adding four boards, two blocks and two steals to his 14-point offensive display.
Click here to watch Super League Basketball 2026/2027 season live on DAZN.