THE UNIVERSITY of Worcester has taken ownership of Worcester Wolves after agreeing a deal with outgoing owner Roger Clarke.
The University, which has been in partnership with Wolves for a number of years, has created a new subsidary company UW Worcester Wolves which will take the British Basketball League club into a new era after being under Clarke’s leadership since forming 15 years ago.
Clarke will now take up a role as president of the club, who last season won the BBL Trophy and the BBL Playoffs, and Paul James will stay in his role as director of basketball.
Clarke said the new structure will provide the ideal ‘platform to launch the club into a new era of development’.
“Having privately owned the Worcester Wolves Basketball Club for fifteen years, and after our most successful ever season saw us win the BBL Trophy and BBL Play-Off final – along with the British University Championships – last year, I have made the decision to transfer the franchise to the University of Worcester.
“The partnership with the University has been very successful, and I feel that now is the right time for the University to take ownership of the Club.
“The strength of the University, together with the University of Worcester Arena and the new club structure, will provide a platform to launch the Club into a new era of development.
“I am excited to accept my new role as President and to closely continue my working partnership with Mick Donovan, the new Managing Director, to enable us to cement a more sustainable, stronger future for the club.”
The new board, which includes previous club president Mick Donovan as the new managing director, will consist of strategic senior staff and associates of the university.
Mr Donovan added: “This is a really exciting time for the Club as we look to build upon the great work that we have done with Roger in the past. The new structure will clearly give the club the opportunity to grow in a strategic and sustainable way in the future.
“We now have an excellent programme, a fantastic venue and we want to continue to set the international standards for sport and education working together.”
