Taking British Basketball Global: Sharks Make History at TBT
In the summer of 2025, the Sheffield Sharks once again broke new ground — becoming the first-ever European professional basketball team invited to compete in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), the prestigious winner-take-all event held annually across the United States.
Known for attracting former NBA players, elite overseas professionals, college legends, and internationally recognised teams, TBT had built a reputation as one of the most competitive and high-profile summer basketball tournaments in the world. For the Sharks to receive an invitation was not only recognition of the club’s growing international reputation, but also a landmark moment for British basketball as a whole.
Representing Sheffield — and the British game — on one of basketball’s biggest summer stages, the Sharks travelled to Kansas City determined to prove they belonged amongst some of the sport’s most established names.
Founded in 1991 and already one of the most successful clubs in British basketball history, the Sharks entered the tournament carrying decades of domestic success, passionate support, and a strong culture built around resilience, professionalism, and community. Their participation highlighted the continued growth of the club’s international profile and demonstrated that British basketball could compete and be recognised on the global stage.
TBT 2025 Roster
The Sharks squad for the historic tournament featured a talented mix of current stars and experienced professionals:
Mike Ocherobia
William Lee
Jordan Ratinho
Prentiss Nixon
Malcolm Riley
Jalen Ray
Mervin James
Tre Coleman
TBT’s famous $1 million winner-take-all format, combined with its unique “Elam Ending,” creates an intense, playoff-style atmosphere unlike any other tournament in the sport. Every possession matters, every game carries enormous stakes, and the event is watched by basketball fans across North America and beyond.
The Sharks made an immediate impact in their opening game on July 19th, 2025, defeating DaGuys STL 70–64 in the First Round — securing the club’s first ever victory on American soil in TBT competition and another historic milestone for British basketball.
Two days later, Sheffield faced Heartfire in the Second Round on July 21st, 2025. Despite a determined effort against one of the tournament’s strongest and most experienced teams, the Sharks were defeated 89–70, bringing their groundbreaking TBT journey to an end.
However, the results only told part of the story.
For Sheffield, the invitation itself represented a historic breakthrough. No European professional side had previously competed in the tournament, making the Sharks pioneers for both British and European basketball.
The club’s appearance generated significant international attention, with basketball media outlets and fans intrigued by the arrival of a British franchise entering a competition traditionally dominated by American-based alumni teams and professional players.
More than just a tournament appearance, the Sharks’ participation symbolised ambition — an organisation willing to think beyond domestic competition and showcase its identity on an international platform.
As the first European team to enter TBT, the Sheffield Sharks added another unique chapter to the club’s history — continuing a tradition of innovation, growth, and representing Sheffield basketball far beyond South Yorkshire.
TBT Results – Kansas City Regional
19 July 2025 – First Round
Sheffield Sharks 70–64 DaGuys STL21 July 2025 – Second Round
Sheffield Sharks 70–89 Heartfire