Basketball Northern Ireland (BNI) is delighted to announce EY as the new presenting sponsor of the BNI Junior Leagues for the 2026/27 season.
This new collaboration will see EY as title sponsor across 15 junior leagues, encompassing 110 teams from 25 clubs across NI. Competition spans Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 boys’ and girls’ basketball.
Basketball continues to grow across NI, with junior clubs providing more young people with opportunities to take part in the sport. EY’s sponsorship will support the continued development of the junior game and the players, coaches, volunteers, clubs and families at the heart of the local basketball community.
The sponsorship will include a season-long programme of digital and social media activity, video content and storytelling, branding across league venues and finals events, as well as opportunities for player and coach engagement.
The collaboration will also provide a platform to highlight the wider value of sport, and the role basketball can play in developing social skills, teamwork, confidence, leadership and a sense of belonging for young people both on and off the court.
Andrew Dolliver, Partner, EY Northern Ireland said,
“We are delighted to launch our brand new sponsorship of Basketball Northern Ireland’s Junior Leagues.
At EY, we believe strongly in investing in young people and in the communities where we live and work. Basketball creates opportunities for our younger generations to develop skills, build confidence and feel part of a team, both on and off the court.
With 15 leagues spanning boys’ and girls’ basketball from Under 12 through to Under 18, this relationship provides a fantastic opportunity for us to support a diverse basketball community and celebrate the players, coaches, volunteers and clubs who bring these competitions to life.
We look forward to working with BNI throughout the season and supporting their continued success in the months ahead.”
L-R – Marc Mulholland – Head of Operations BNI, Layden O’Neill – Belfast Star U18M Player, Katie Napier – U16G Queen’s Basketball Club, Andrew Dolliver – Partner, EY Northern Ireland.
Marc Mulholland, Head of Operations at Basketball Northern Ireland, said:
“We are incredibly proud to welcome EY as presenting sponsor of the Basketball NI Junior Leagues.
Our Junior Leagues sit at the heart of the basketball development pathway. This season we will have 15 EY-branded leagues and 110 team entries across girls’ and boys’ basketball, demonstrating both the scale of our competitions and the continued growth of the game.
For BNI, this relationship is about much more than naming rights. It is clear to us that EY share our ambition to create opportunities for young people and recognise the positive role sport can play in their lives.
Having an organisation of EY’s global presence investing in local competitions is a significant endorsement of our structure and ambition. We are excited about what we can build together and, most importantly, what this can offer our young players, clubs and the wider basketball community.”
L-R – Marc Mulholland – Head of Operations BNI, Layden O’Neill – Belfast Star U18M Player, Katie Napier – U16G Queen’s Basketball Club, Andrew Dolliver – Partner, EY Northern Ireland.
Basketball NI and EY officially marked the sponsorship in Belfast’s, Newforge Sports Complex. Bringing together representatives from both organisations alongside some Belfast based players from boys’ and girls’ Junior Leagues.
ENDS
About EY
About EY
EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Powered by data, technology and an extensive partner ecosystem, our diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
- EY social platforms are as follows:
- LinkedIn: @EY
- X (Twitter): @EY_Ireland
- Instagram: @ey.ireland
About Basketball Northern Ireland
Basketball Northern Ireland (BNI) is the governing body for basketball in Northern Ireland, operating within the overall framework of Basketball Ireland.
Basketball Northern Ireland Limited is a registered charity in Northern Ireland (Charity No. 110119) and a registered company (Company No. NI066809).
BNI is responsible for the development, promotion and governance of basketball across Northern Ireland, supporting clubs, players, coaches, officials and volunteers while providing opportunities for participation, competition and performance.
Basketball NI’s mission is to:
“Grow the game in all its forms,
support a passionate basketball community
and provide a pathway for every person to have a positive life-long relationship with our sport.”
BNI social platforms are as follows:
LinkedIn: @Basketball Northern Ireland
Facebook: @basketballni
Instagram: @basketball_ni