The Brighton Bears are an English basketball club, based in the town of Lancing, West Sussex.
History 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.
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.
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.
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.
Honours Men's National Shield: 2016-17 Men's National Development League South: 2015-16
Season-by-season records SeasonDivisionTierRegular SeasonPost-SeasonNational Cup Finish Played Wins Losses Points Win % Sussex Bears2014–15D4 SE53rd20155300.7501st roundDid not compete2015–16Dev Sou51st12102200.833Semi-finals1st round2016–17D3 Sou42nd18135260.722Semi-finals3rd round2017–18D2310th22715140.318Did not qualify2nd round2018–19D234th20119220.550Quarter-finalsDid not compete2019–20D2 Sou39th1741390.235Did not qualify4th round2020-21D2 Sou3Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic2021–22D2 Sou32nd22166320.727Quarter-finals 3rd round Brighton Bears2022–23D2 Sou32nd22166320.727Quarter-finals 4th round2023–24D2 Sou311th22517100.227Did Not Qualify
See also Brighton Bears (1973-2006)
References