London Lions underlined their European ambitions by defeating Paris Basketball 84–75 to win the inaugural London Lions Invitational at the Copper Box Arena.
Tarik Phillip led the hosts with 20 points and five assists in Friday night’s final. Keenan Evans added 13 points and four rebounds, while Joel Scott, Maxwell Lewis III and Deane Williams each finished with 10 points.
London established control early through their defence and quick offence. Phillip scored eight points in the opening quarter as the Lions moved 22–13 ahead, before taking a 43–36 advantage into half-time.
Paris threatened a comeback in the closing stages and reduced the gap to five points with fewer than three minutes remaining. Phillip responded with an important finish before Thomas Kennedy’s offensive tip-out created the decisive possession, allowing Evans to hit the three-pointer that secured the trophy.
The victory completed a perfect tournament for London following their 96–78 opening win against Śląsk Wrocław. It was also a notable result against a Paris side preparing for another season in the EuroLeague.
A useful test of London’s European credentials
The Invitational was a pre-season competition, so one result should not be treated as proof that London are already ready to compete across a full EuroLeague campaign. Paris were also completing their preparations rather than playing a competitive European fixture.
Nevertheless, the event offered an encouraging glimpse of what the Lions are trying to build. London brought Paris, Žalgiris Kaunas and Śląsk Wrocław to the Copper Box, then beat two established continental opponents to lift the trophy in front of their home support.
That matters because the club’s ambitions extend well beyond domestic success. The Lions have secured a three-plus-two-year agreement to compete in the BKT EuroCup from 2026–27, giving them the possibility of five seasons in Europe’s second-tier club competition.
London are also reportedly interested in acquiring a EuroLeague expansion franchise. EuroLeague chief executive Chus Bueno told City AM in July that the Lions were among several potential buyers interested in a London place, with the competition targeting expansion from 20 to 24 clubs for the 2027–28 season.
What the Lions still need to prove
Winning their own Invitational adds to London’s case, but the more important examination begins when competitive basketball starts.
The Lions must show they can produce consistent results in EuroCup, support a demanding domestic and European schedule, attract strong crowds and build the commercial operation required at the highest level. Their longer-term arena plans and the relationship between a potential EuroLeague franchise and Super League Basketball will also remain important questions.
For now, however, London have delivered a positive early statement. They did more than stage a tournament featuring major European names: they won it, beating EuroLeague opposition in the final and showing that their new roster can perform under pressure.
London carried that momentum into the Super League Basketball season, opening their title defence with an 80–78 road victory over Bristol Flyers on 18 September.