London Lions

History

Sheffield city’s history as a major steel producer led to the original name of the 35-year-old club, which established itself in 1991. Since the club’s BBL inception as the Sharks in 1994, the South Yorkshire-based franchise has garnered much success claiming three BBL Cup titles, two BBL Trophy titles, four league titles, and two BBL Championship Final wins.

The club plays its home games at the Ponds Forge and will relocate to the Park Community Arena at the start of the 2023-24 season. Brooklynite Atiba Lyons has led the team since 2008, firstly as a player coach and then as a full-time head coach from 2013. A former Sheffield Shark himself, Lyons is also a member of the club’s ownership group and has been one of the main driving forces behind the development of the Park Community Arena, along with club founder Yuri Matischen.

Head-to-Head Info

Although London led the regular season series 2-1, the Sharks were the first BBL team to beat the Lions this season, claiming an 87-81 victory on their home court at Ponds Forge.