Nar Zanolin, Executive Director of FIBA Europe, the international governing body, flew in from Munich for the unveiling of the new look Basketball Ireland.

The re-launch of the national governing body for basketball in Ireland comes after a lengthy review of the sport and with a five year strategic plan now in place, new structures and systems are already in motion and a framework for the future of Basketball Ireland is in operation.

Speaking at the launch, President of Basketball Ireland, Tony Colgan said; "We are here to celebrate the birth of a new organisation, Basketball Ireland. Perhaps it is more correct to say 're-birth' - our aims remain the same, it is only the way we approach our job that is being radically changed".

Chief Executive, Debbie Massey announced a new sponsorship deal signed with Italian sportswear giants, Errea, the new official gear supplier to all 11 Basketball Ireland national teams.

Coinciding with the launch of Basketball Ireland the new format ESB Superleague tips-off this weekend.

Now competing in North and South Conferences, all 12 teams are in action over Saturday and Sunday with title-holders Neptune making little changes to the squad that lifted the trophy last season.