Lions cutbacks a 'gut punch' by prospective Everton owners

How breakthrough moment by European history makers was ruined by 777 decision

- Molly McElwee

BRITISH basketball player Temi Fagbenle has endured two months of insane sporting highs and lows.

On the one hand, she is currently playing for the most high-profile women's sports team in America, the Indiana Fever, alongside superstar rookie Cailin Clark. There is more attention and interest in women's basketball than ever before and, for Fagbenle, it has been exhilarating.

But it sits in stark contrast with the situation at London Lions, her hometown club. Just over a month ago, she won an historic EuroCup title with the Lions at the Copper Box Arena, but they will not be back to defend their crown next season because of an investment decision taken by the club's owners.

"It's not good to hear the owners don't deem our group as something to continue to invest in," Fagbenle says, speaking to Standard Sport from Indianapolis. "It goes to show, even if you win a European trophy and break records and make history, that, if you're a woman, then things are still quite different for you in the world of sports.

It's a punch to the gut." The Lions' owners are 777 Partners, the same investment group involved in the beleaguered takeover attempt at Everton. The online gaming company, which also runs football clubs in France, Italy, Belgium and Brazil, took over the Lions in 2020 and also has a 45 per cent stake in the British Basketball League.