National audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe UK is co-sponsoring the West Midlands Basketball League (WMBL) Finals, taking place on May 16 and 17 at the Nechells Wellbeing Centre in Birmingham.
The sponsorship supports senior local league basketball across the region and forms part of Crowe’s commitment to the wider West Midlands community.
The finals will be delivered in partnership with the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club, which has committed to supporting the WMBL Finals as co-sponsor, as well as the league’s upcoming season.
Crowe’s support of the Finals is in recognition of the wider value of basketball in promoting physical and mental wellbeing, supporting social mobility, and creating positive role models and opportunity across the local community.
A team from Crowe will attend the Finals event to share information on its apprenticeships and early‑career programmes, helping raise awareness of professional opportunities among young people across the region.
Martin Chapman, partner at Crowe, and chairman, treasurer and player of the Birmingham Rebels Basketball Club, said: “I’m delighted that Crowe is co‑sponsoring the WMBL Finals. This collaboration with the league and the City of Birmingham Rockets is an important endorsement of senior basketball in the West Midlands, where funding is often in short supply.
"The WMBL provides a vital and accessible pathway for players aged 16 and over to continue competing locally, at a time when rising participation costs can force talented players to leave the sport as they reach adulthood.
“This sponsorship of the finals helps demonstrate to younger players that there is a supported and sustainable future in basketball beyond the junior ranks.”
Barrie Viner, chairman of the West Midlands Basketball League, said: “The West Midlands Basketball League is honoured to have City of Birmingham Rockets sponsor our league, and especially the WMBL Final’s weekend. We recognise the immense impact the CoB Rockets are having on our sport in Birmingham and feel their support for senior basketball is recognising the need for continued involvement after junior level participation.
“The added support of Crowe for the Finals Weekend is a much-appreciated addition to this spectacular event. Crowe too recognises that there has been very little sponsorship of senior amateur basketball in the area and decided to throw their considerable weight behind the WMBL Finals weekend. The WMBL League is extremely grateful for Crowe’s generous and astute support.”
