Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney has revealed that he may be interested in creating and owning a basketball club, in his home city, following a recent conversation he had with BBL (British Basketball League) side London Lions’ minority owner Femi Oyeniran.
On his ‘Deeney Talks’ podcast, the football star, 34, was challenged by the business man to start a professional franchise in Britain’s second biggest city – who have had no major top-level basketball team to represent it for some years.
In his response, the Blues striker said: “Let’s talk.
“Let’s go, let’s make this work, there’s enough people, enough influential people to do it. I’ll go on record now if you show me how to do it. We’ll make it happen!”
In response to that, Femi said: “Ok cool I’ll set up a meeting and we’ll make it happen because I think we need a Birmingham team.”
Deeney’s co-host, Marc ‘Disk’ Williams, did make reference to the City of Birmingham Rockets – who are involved with an investment group trying to establish a franchise in Birmingham, though making clear that they are not a professional club. The BBL said that no formal approach had yet been made. They did, however, welcome the interest.
In a statement to Hoopsfix, the league office said: “We have received no formal approaches from Troy Deeney to date regarding a new franchise in Birmingham but are delighted to see the league is attracting interest from potential outside investors. The BBL are committed to growing and strengthening the infrastructure of the league in a successful and sustainable way so that when potential franchises join, we can set them up for success.”
Oyeniran, with his business partner and co-director Nicky ‘Slimting’ Walker were given minority shareholder status with the London Lions in 2022, and have since helped the club get cultural crossover within the London scene with a number of high profile celebrities, musicians and actors attending games.