London Lions Aim to Join Europe’s Elite Basketball Teams
London Lions, buoyed by recent successes and a promising future, aim to join Europe’s elite by building a purpose-built arena and expanding their global brand after their financial rescue by Tesonet.
Published on March 28, 2025
Lenz Balan, CEO of the London Lions, remains optimistic about the club’s future despite recent challenges. Saved from financial collapse by Lithuanian tech firm Tesonet, the Lions have made significant strides, with the women’s team winning the EuroCup and the men’s team reaching the semi-finals as recently as last season. Balan, who also faced tough times following administration under American ownership, sees a clear path forward to join Europe’s top basketball echelons.
Looking ahead, plans for a purpose-built arena in London, supported by Mayor Sadiq Khan, are a cornerstone of the club’s ambitions. This new venue is expected to ensure financial sustainability and attract top-level talent, further boosting the club’s profile. Supported by unprecedented interest from the NBA and EuroLeague, the Lions are poised to build a global brand, with renewed optimism reported as recently as March 2025.