Businesses follow Sintons in showing support to Newcastle Eagles WBBL

A number of businesses have pledged their support for the North East’s only top-flight women’s sports team following appeals for corporate backing to help achieve its ambitions and secure its long-term future.

Several North East organisations have given their backing to Newcastle Eagles WBBL, the women’s basketball team which last year moved from being the Tyneside franchise of the Women’s British Basketball League to become part of the Newcastle Eagles, the most successful team in British basketball history.

Newcastle Eagles WBBL enjoyed a successful first season under their new brand, but have appealed for support from potential sponsors and corporate backers to help them raise the resources they need to develop the team’s own identity and income streams.

Following the lead of law firm Sintons – a longstanding sponsor of Newcastle Eagles – several businesses have now committed their support to the WBBL team, who start their season this weekend with an away fixture against Caledonia Pride in Essex. The team’s first home game, held at the Eagles Community Arena, will be on Sunday, October 6.

Paul Blake, managing director of Newcastle Eagles, said: “We are extremely grateful to those businesses who have committed their support to Newcastle Eagles WBBL so far. The region’s business community has always supported the Eagles so generously, and we are thrilled they are now recognising the potential of our WBBL team.

“We are introducing many new initiatives to increase awareness and engagement, including looking at a number of ways to increase ticket sales and attendances at our matches, and we hope this, alongside the corporate support, will help us to build for the future.

“We would, of course, love to welcome more new sponsors and supporters to join us on our journey, and with packages starting from only £500 a season, we hope it proves an appealing and accessible option – it would certainly make a huge difference to us.”

Mark Quigley, managing partner of Sintons, said: “As proud supporters and sponsors of Newcastle Eagles for many years, we are delighted to now extend that to their developing WBBL team, and it is very pleasing to see other businesses following our lead and backing this emerging part of the Eagles club at a crucial time for them.

“The Eagles, as well as being the UK’s most successful basketball team, make a huge impact to their local community in Newcastle and the wider North East through their community and schools initiatives, to which they dedicate so much time and resource. We are very proud to continue to support them and wish Newcastle Eagles WBBL the very best of luck with their season ahead.”