Raiders talks with Pavilions ‘ongoing’
THE future of Plymouth Raiders within the city remains in doubt with co-owner Ross Mackenzie saying there has been no breakthrough in negotiations with its landlords, Plymouth Pavilions, writes Stuart James.
The Raiders secured their highest ever BBL Championship finish on Sunday with a 79-76 win against the Sheffield Sharks, but the match could be their last ever at the venue – and even in Plymouth – as a row continues over the rental price of the Pavilions.
Raiders have said the Pavilions, which received a £726,000 grant from the Arts Council in October, have increased costs for next season by 200 per-cent, something the Raiders say they cannot afford to pay. If a solution cannot be found, then the likelihood is that the club will be forced to leave the city and relocate elsewhere, with Birmingham an option that is being given serious consideration.
When contacted by the WMN, Pavilions chief executive Sarah Phillips refused to be interviewed. However, they did issue a statement on her behalf that read: “The Plymouth Raiders remain very welcome to continue playing at the Pavilions. The discounted rate that we have offered them remains on the table.”
At present, no one knows the exact figures for what the rental price was for the 2020/21 season, or how much the Pavilions are asking for going forward - or what the discount figure is.
When asked if any progress had been made with negotiations, Mackenzie said: “Talks are ongoing. Our fans and supporters across Plymouth and the wider region have been extremely supportive of our position over the past week, since this story became public.
“We thank them for their support and we are working harder than ever collectively as an organisation that they continue to watch Plymouth Raiders here in Plymouth.
“That is our number one focus, but this is largely out of our hands.”
The disagreement comes at a time the club are gearing up to take part in the end of season play-offs having enjoyed a fantastic season so far.
They will look to go one step further than March’s BBL Trophy final when ‘May Madness’ gets underway with Raiders playing their quarter-final legs on Tuesday, May 4 and Thursday, May 6.