
BEARS BASKETBALL TEAMS
EXPLAINED
Our
Teams
A Place for everyone from beginner to Elite
If you are new to the sport or want to play at the elite level we have place for you.
Several of our players have gone from learning the basics and playing for fun as 8-year-olds in the Bear Cubs, to playing for elite Prem teams for us, and representative teams for England, GB and national teams worldwide.
The structure can seem confusing and overwhelming if you are new to the game. Here's how it works.
Bear Cubs
5-9 year olds start here. Playing for fun, learning the skills with no structured competitive element.
Basketball Sussex Local League Teams
These are good entry-level leagues. The games and training are less frequent than National Leagues, and away games are generally nearby. Most activity (training and games) takes place on Friday nights. You do not to go through trials to train and play.
Junior National Basketball League (NBL) Teams
These teams play at every age group from 11 to 18. Usually you would need to get into the teams via trials at the end of the last season.
There are two Divisions, Conference and Premier, with the latter being a higher standard.
The leagues are regional e.g. 'Western', and the winners at the end of the season enter the playoffs against other leagues. The games can be further away, especially in the Prem division.
Men's National Basketball League Team
The structure for elite men's basketball in the UK is as follows.
British Basketball League (BBL) - is the top stand-alone tier. Currently in limbo due to a sponsor pull out. These are generally professional teams.
National Basketball League (NBL) Division 1/2/3
These are the next tier down and run by Basketball England
Teams who come top in their leagues get a chance to enter the playoffs and get promoted. And teams at the bottom also can get relegated.
Brighton Bears are currently in Division 3.
For more info on each level click on button below.
Training Times


Awesome team and club with highly skilled, dedicated, trained, checked and registered coaches that inspire young athletes and anyone who loves basketball. This club has improved so many young peoples lives and is highly recommended.
- Darren Hougham