History

Legacy &
Leadership

Since their formation in the early 1990s, the Sheffield Sharks have been shaped by a small group of visionary leaders whose belief in basketball, community and the city of Sheffield helped establish one of the most respected clubs in British basketball.

A club shaped by people, not just results.

From the early investment and ambition of the Chrysalis era, through the stabilising leadership of Yuri Matischen and Sarah Backovic, to the modern growth under principal owner Vaughn Millette — the Sharks story has always been driven by people willing to build for the future.

Their influence extends beyond trophies and championships, helping create a club rooted in community, professionalism and long-term sustainability.

The Visionaries

Yuri Matischen Founder
Sarah Backovic CEO
Atiba Lyons Head Coach
Karen Child & John Timms Shareholders
Vaughn Millette Principal Owner

Sarah Backovic outside the Canon Medical Arena

Leadership

Sarah Backovic: Driving the Sharks Franchise

No individual has become more closely associated with the modern identity of the Sheffield Sharks than Sarah Backovic.

Having first become involved with the organisation during the club's early years, Backovic worked alongside Yuri Matischen through Montgomery Leisure Services before being appointed General Manager of the Sheffield Sharks in 2002.

At a time when senior leadership roles in British sport were overwhelmingly male-dominated, Backovic emerged as one of the most respected executives in British basketball.

Her role extended far beyond traditional team management. Overseeing business strategy, player recruitment logistics, league relations, sponsorship, operations and community programmes, Backovic became the central figure connecting every area of the organisation.

"It's not just about talent on the floor, there needs to be a whole package that takes the community with us."
— Sarah Backovic

Under her leadership, the Sharks evolved into far more than a basketball team. The club expanded its community outreach programmes, educational initiatives and youth engagement projects across Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

"These programmes are important for us because working with the whole community we achieve great things together, and that is vital."
— Sarah Backovic

Backovic also played a major role in strengthening the professional standards of the organisation, helping guide the Sharks through multiple eras of British basketball while maintaining competitiveness on the court and stability off it. Her long-term partnership with Head Coach Atiba Lyons became one of the defining pillars of the club's modern success.

As the organisation continued to grow, Backovic later became Chief Executive Officer, helping oversee one of the most ambitious chapters in club history — including the development of the Canon Medical Arena and the continued growth of both the Sharks and Sheffield Hatters programmes.

Her influence on basketball in Sheffield extends beyond wins and trophies; helping shape a club built around professionalism, opportunity and community impact.

Founder

Yuri Matischen: Founder and Visionary

Since the inception of Sheffield basketball no one has had a greater long-term influence on the Sheffield Sharks than Yuri Matischen.

Originally the Head Coach of the lower division Sheffield Forgers, Matischen was the architect of taking the team to the premier league. Through his position as a director of MLS Ltd, he came to Sheffield as a senior sports manager for the World Student Games in 1991.

After the Sharks formation, Matischen became a key figure in shaping the operational and commercial direction of the club. Working behind the scenes, he helped establish the structures required to sustain a professional basketball franchise in Britain during an era when many clubs struggled financially.

Matischen's leadership focused not only on basketball operations, but also on community integration, commercial partnerships and long-term sustainability. His belief in the potential of basketball in Sheffield played a major role in ensuring the Sharks remained one of the most recognisable and respected organisations in British basketball.

Matischen played a key role in developing Sheffield's Olympic Legacy Park, upon which he helped develop the prestigious Canon Medical Arena.

Yuri Matischen outside the Canon Medical Arena

Head Coach

Atiba Lyons: From Player to Architect of Success

Few people embody the modern Sheffield Sharks more than Atiba Lyons.

Originally arriving in Sheffield as a player during the 2007 season, his understanding of the game naturally saw him transition into a player-coach role before eventually becoming the Sharks' full-time Head Coach.

Under Lyons' leadership, the Sharks established themselves as one of the most consistent and competitive organisations in British basketball. Known for his passionate, defensive-minded approach and ability to build strong team culture, Lyons became one of the longest-serving and most respected coaches in the British game.

In 2013, Lyons further strengthened his commitment to the organisation by becoming a shareholder in the club — reinforcing his long-term belief in basketball in Sheffield and the future of the Sharks franchise.

His journey from player to coach, leader and shareholder reflects the family culture that has long defined the Sharks organisation.

Alongside colleagues, Lyons was part of the team to develop the Sharks home venue at Canon Medical Arena, whereby he oversaw the internal fitting ensuring it met professional league standards. He is currently also a Director and shareholder of the Arena.

Shareholders

Karen Child, John Timms & Lifelong Investment in the Sharks

The Sharks have also been supported by a number of loyal shareholders whose passion for the club extends far beyond business.

One of those figures is Karen Child, whose connection with the Sharks began after attending a game in 2011. On that night, the Sharks trailed by more than 20 points at half-time before producing an incredible late comeback victory in front of a packed crowd.

The drama, atmosphere and excitement of that game sparked a lasting passion for basketball and the Sharks organisation. Since then, Child has become a long-time sponsor, supporter and shareholder, playing an important role in supporting the continued growth of the club.

Alongside her is John Timms, whose relationship with the organisation stretches back to the very beginning. Timms was part of the first-ever Sheffield Sharks team and has remained closely connected to the club throughout its history.

Today, Timms serves alongside Yuri Matischen at MLS, the Sharks' sister company, while continuing to play an important role behind the scenes within the organisation. His continued involvement represents the deep-rooted loyalty and sense of family that has always existed within the Sharks community.

The Sheffield Sharks during the Chrysalis era

1994

BBL Debut Season

The Early Years

The Chrysalis Years: A New Era Begins

In 1994, the club entered a transformational new chapter when the Sheffield Forgers became the Sheffield Sharks and joined the British Basketball League.

Backed by investment from the Chrysalis Group, the organisation embraced a bold professional identity that immediately elevated basketball in Sheffield.

The rebrand coincided with one of the most successful debut seasons in British basketball history, as the Sharks captured the BBL Championship and National Cup during their first campaign under the new name.

The Sharks quickly became one of the flagship franchises of British basketball during the 1990s, regularly drawing large crowds to the Sheffield Arena and establishing a winning culture that would define the club for decades.

The Chrysalis era helped professionalise the organisation and laid the foundations for the Sharks to become a nationally recognised sports brand.

Principal Owner

Vaughn Millette & The Next Generation

In July 2024, American entrepreneur Vaughn Millette became the principal owner and majority shareholder of the Sheffield Sharks and Sheffield Hatters.

Millette's arrival represented a significant moment in the modern history of the organisation, bringing renewed investment, business expertise and a long-term vision for growth.

His commitment came during a transformational period for British basketball, as clubs worked together to help shape a new future for the professional game in the United Kingdom.

Alongside CEO Sarah Backovic and the club's leadership team, Millette reaffirmed a commitment not only to success on the court, but also to strengthening the Sharks' role within the Sheffield community.

"Much more than the competitions — creating opportunities for young people and inspiring future generations."
— Vaughn Millette, Principal Owner

The new ownership era aims to build upon more than three decades of Sharks history while continuing to push the organisation forward both commercially and competitively.

Vaughn Millette, Principal Owner of the Sheffield Sharks