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Key hires fire Manchester Basketball's ambition

The business of basketball in Manchester is experiencing a positive bounce — thanks to the dynamic leadership team that’s helping to drive success on and off the court.

That’s the verdict of Manchester Basketball’s President, Ben Pierson, as the franchise prepares to contest both the men’s and women’s Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup finals in the city later this month.

The appointment of Claire Bradbury as the club’s first CEO has revolutionised basketball operations at a time when the sport is on the cusp of an exciting new era — including talk of an NBA Europe base in the city.

And Pierson believes the recruitment of Dominique Allen (General Manager) and Peter Simmons (Head of Media) to a new-look leadership team puts Manchester in pole position to capitalise on new commercial opportunities and community partnerships.

“Bringing Claire in as CEO was an important milestone for Manchester Basketball,” he explains. “As we’ve grown, it became clear we needed a dedicated leader to drive the organisation forward day-to-day while allowing me to focus more on long-term strategy and investment.

“Claire stood out throughout the hiring process and she’s exceeded expectations in her first few months. She’s transitioned seamlessly from rugby into basketball and from COO to CEO, bringing professionalism, integrity, operational discipline and a calm confidence that has strengthened everyone around her.

“Claire’s already made a tangible impact across the club and we’re excited about the direction she’s helping shape.”

Manchester’s men face London Lions in their SLB Cup final at the city’s AO Arena on March 22 with the women lining up against B Braun Sheffield Hatters earlier in the day. Rapid progress on the court has been matched by giant strides off it as Bradbury, Allen and Simmons look to make their own mark on a sporting city dominated by Premier League football heavyweights Manchester United and Manchester City.

“When we acquired the franchise we had only a few weeks before the first game of the season,” explained Pierson — the public face of the US-based Sherwood Family Investment Office, who bought Manchester Basketball in 2024.

“There was no staff, no roster, not even a name. We had me and Dom, and fortunately Pete joined shortly thereafter. Dom and Pete helped build the foundations of this club at extraordinary speed. It was an intense and demanding period — and a level of stress I’d never wish on anyone — but it created a culture of resilience and ambition that still defines us today.

“Dom’s title might be General Manager but, in truth, she’s worn multiple hats since day one. She and the Allen family are deeply respected across British basketball and we’re incredibly fortunate to benefit from her leadership and loyalty.

“Now, as we grow, the focus is on building the right structure around people like Dom and Pete — giving them the support and space to specialise, lead and elevate the club even further.”

Manchester Basketball’s place at heart of the city’s thriving sporting and cultural community is reflected in this month’s unique MOBO Awards collaboration.

The world-renowned celebration of black music and culture takes centre stage in the city for the first time on March 26 at Co-op Live. And March 10 sees Manchester Basketball mark the occasion with a special MOBOs-themed night of entertainment around the club’s last-16 ENBL clash with KK Dubrava.

DJs and a special live performance at half-time will complement the on-court action with tickets on sale here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .