The British Basketball League looks to have guaranteed its long-term future after discussions saw the one-time Los Angeles Lakers star AC Green purchase a stake in the BBL with backing from a New York investment bank.

There were fears that the league would have to merge with the lower-tier EBL next season after its failure to secure a regular television slot and a major sponsor during the past three seasons. 

However Green’s interest was heightened when he, and representatives of Synergie Capital, came to the UK on a fact-finding mission last week and visited a number of the community initiatives backed by the BBL’s eleven existing clubs. 

In addition to taking on an ambassadorial role, Green opted to provide a cash injection described as a “multi-million dollar” sum. 

And BBL chairman Vince Macaulay believes the involvement of the NBA legend can spark a revival in the sport’s fortunes which could also potentially catalyse an expansion into cities such as Edinburgh.

“We have been in discussions for some time, recognising the need for investment to improve the image and profile of the British game,” he said. “We believe we have found in AC Green a partner with integrity and character, and a sporting reputation that is second to none."

The money will be used to drag basketball out of the doldrums and to back the kind of community programmes which the three-time NBA champions supports in the USA.

The idea was borne of discussions initiated through Scottish Rocks director Ian Reid who confirmed that the top priority will be to ensure that basketball is screened on television for the first time since ITV Digital went bust.

 “The investment is going to enable us to expand the league and to get the BBL back on TV," he said.

“That’s going to make a significant difference to the Rocks and the whole of British basketball and hopefully things will start to happen in time for next season.

“We’ve suffered by being off TV because the fans haven’t been able to see their team and other teams as often. It also expands awareness of basketball generally so it’s going to be a big help when we go to sponsors.”