The 2009 season will see various changes come into play in the Lucozade Sport Men's Basketball Championship (MBC) and with them will come an exceptionally even, elite competition of basketball.

The familiar veteran teams the likes of last season champions, Hoopers along with Innercity Avalanche, Granville Jaguars, Sav-La-Mar Hawks and Catherine Hall All-Stars will move away from the Lucozade Sport MBC and instead participate in the expanded National Basketball League later this year.

WBA President Charles Stephenson said it was unfortunate to see the strongest teams go, however the decision not to strongly oppose the teams joining the NBL was made in the best interests of the sport.

“It is now and always has been the view of the WBA board to work in the best interests of basketball. Given the proposed restructure of basketball in Jamaica, which will evolve over the next couple of years, we feel that the unity of the sport is paramount in our response to these applications,” Stephenson said.

The league has been working with the various Championship Division clubs during the off-season to advance the quality of the competition as well as lift the profile of its image through a series of marketing and branding opportunities.

“Representatives from each championship club together with league management met at the beginning of January to discuss ways which we could work together to achieve our goals with each person left the meeting extremely positive and focused for the 2009 season,” added the WBA President.

GlaxoSmithKline through their world leading brand Lucozade Sport will remain title sponsor for Western Jamaica's biggest basketball showcase. On Sunday, March 29, the Montego Bay Cricket Club court will come alive as the season gets underway. Ample supplies of Lucozade Sport isotonic beverages will be provided for players and coaches on game days, while Lucozade Extra - formulated to help sharpen mental performance will be available to all table officials and scorers as the season progress. Lucozade Extra will outfit the officials the total sponsorship will value over $500,000.

The Championship division teams for the 2009 season are as follows:

Central Flames
Granville Wolfpack
Hopewell Vipers
Innercity Jnr. Avalanche
Montego Bay Boys Club
Railway Tigers


For more information or to schedule an interview please contact WBA Vice President,Marketing & Communications KHURT COMRIE on 876-772-0170 or info@wbajamaica.com