The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks are delighted to confirm a new partnership with Doncaster Eagles that will open up fresh opportunities for young basketball players across South Yorkshire. The collaboration is designed to focus on post-16 athletes who are looking to progress through higher education and college basketball, with the long-term goal of moving into the men’s professional game.
Both clubs share a commitment to nurturing talent and creating clear, structured pathways for ambitious players. As part of the agreement, the Sharks and Eagles will work together on talent identification, hosting spotlight sessions to highlight emerging players, and ensuring the vital role of Doncaster Eagles is recognised as athletes transition to higher levels of competition. Eagles players will also benefit from free and discounted access to Sharks fixtures and camps, while families will be offered reduced ticket options to help make the professional game more accessible.
Coaches from both clubs will collaborate closely, with opportunities for Sharks staff to support sessions in Doncaster and for knowledge to be shared between teams. This connection will give young players the chance to learn directly from professionals, gaining valuable experience and inspiration along the way.
The benefits of the partnership will be felt widely. For Doncaster Eagles, it provides a credible progression route into higher education, college basketball and eventually the professional ranks, while giving their players and coaches access to elite-level expertise. For the Sharks, it strengthens regional talent identification, builds community links in Doncaster, and deepens connections with the grassroots game. Most importantly, for players and families, it offers affordable access to basketball at the highest level and a transparent route from grassroots to elite competition.
The Sharks and Eagles will now move forward with the practical details of the partnership, including ticketing, camp access and spotlight sessions. Educational partners such as UTC Olympic Legacy Park will also play a role, ensuring that academic progression is supported alongside basketball development.
“This is an exciting step forward for basketball in Yorkshire,” said Marko Backovic, Head of Operations for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks. “By working hand in hand with Doncaster Eagles, we can give young players the chance to reach their full potential — both on the court and in the classroom — while strengthening the regional basketball community as a whole. Our aim is to build similar partnerships with other clubs across the region, ensuring that young players are given every opportunity to showcase their talents at the highest level in the country.”
The Doncaster Eagles leadership team added: “We are proud to announce this new partnership with the Sheffield Sharks. It represents a significant step forward for both clubs, establishing an elite pathway for our post-16 players to develop within a professional
basketball environment. By joining forces with a club that shares our values and vision, we can provide our players with outstanding opportunities to pursue their sporting ambitions at the highest level. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent, promoting excellence, and creating clear routes for progression both on and off the court.
Interested in collaborating with the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks?
Clubs looking to explore partnership opportunities are encouraged to get in touch via: nate.montgomery@thesheffieldsharks.com
