The Brighton Bears are an English basketball club, based in the town of Lancing, West Sussex.

Brighton Bears
LeagueNBL D2 South
Established2014; 10 years ago (2014)
HistorySussex Bears
(2014–2022)
Brighton Bears
(2022-present)
ArenaSir Robert Woodard Academy
Capacity700
LocationLancing, West Sussex
Team colours     
WebsiteOfficial website

History

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The Bears were formed in 2014. Former Worthing Thunder coach and local basketball legend Gary Smith was brought in to lead the club as chairman and first team coach, and with him he brought a number of former Thunder players to form the nucleus of the new team. [1]

The Bears' name is not a new one to basketball in the area - the Brighton Bears played in the top-flight BBL for many years until their final season in 2006. [2]

The 'new' club has since developed rapidly, increasing the number of men's, women's and youth teams representing under the Bears' name. The Bears have also risen through the divisions of the English Basketball League, reaching their current position in Division 2 in 2017. [3]

The Bears announced plans to build a new stadium at the Black Rock seafront area and return the Brighton Bears name to the top flight British Basketball League. [4]

Honours

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Men's National Shield: 2016-17 [5]
Men's National Development League South: 2015-16

Season-by-season records

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Season Division Tier Regular Season Post-Season National Cup
Finish Played Wins Losses Points Win %
Sussex Bears
2014–15 D4 SE 5 3rd 20 15 5 30 0.750 1st round Did not compete
2015–16 Dev Sou 5 1st 12 10 2 20 0.833 Semi-finals 1st round
2016–17 D3 Sou 4 2nd 18 13 5 26 0.722 Semi-finals 3rd round
2017–18 D2 3 10th 22 7 15 14 0.318 Did not qualify 2nd round
2018–19 D2 3 4th 20 11 9 22 0.550 Quarter-finals Did not compete
2019–20 D2 Sou 3 9th 17 4 13 9 0.235 Did not qualify 4th round
2020-21 D2 Sou 3 Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021–22 D2 Sou 3 2nd 22 16 6 32 0.727 Quarter-finals 3rd round
Brighton Bears
2022–23 D2 Sou 3 2nd 22 16 6 32 0.727 Quarter-finals 4th round
2023–24 D2 Sou 3 11th 22 5 17 10 0.227 Did Not Qualify

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bears making big strides in little time". www.shorehamherald.co.uk.
  2. ^ "With video: Bears are back on court - but this time there's a new approach". The Argus.
  3. ^ "Smith setting sights on chasing down Thunder". www.worthingherald.co.uk.
  4. ^ Harry Bullmore (6 April 2021). "Plans to bring Brighton Bears back with Black Rock stadium". The Argus. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  5. ^ "Sussex Bears Hold on For National Shield Title - Hoopsfix.com".