Derby Storm have been given permission to pull out of the British Basketball League for the 2002-2003 season.

League officials agreed to withdraw the Midlands side from all BBL competitions at the request of owner Mike Horton.

Approval has been given to allow the club time to pursue proposals to take the franchise forward, based around finding a new television-friendly venue in the Derby area.

Horton explained: "I know it will be a major disappointment to genuine supporters in Derby.

"But there is no financial sense in operating a franchise in the Derby area unless its facilities are TV-friendly and the business makes commercial sense."

BBL chief executive Mike Smith added: "We respect the investment into the Derby franchise made by Mike Horton over the years.

"The BBL Board is happy to agree to Mike's proposal for the forthcoming season and to allow the club to maintain its shareholding in the league."

Derby finished bottom of the league last season, winning just three games.

Their departure means that the BBL will revert to a single division from the start of next season with the 11 remaining teams playing each other twice at home and away.

Changes

The season will begin on the weekend of October 5th and 6th.

Both the BBL Trophy and National Cup will see some changes in their structure.

The BBL Trophy will be contested by the 11 BBL Championship teams, as well as one invited guest side as yet to be confirmed.

The National Cup will consist of 16 teams, with the BBL's 11 clubs joined by five teams from the National Basketball League Conference in a straight knock-out format.