New Middlesbrough Pitch Sports Bar: Teesside Lions’ partnership

Teesside Lions have teamed up with Pitch! Sports Bar Middlesbrough, which is set to open in July 2026 and will feature a seven-metre LED screen, sports simulators and what aims to be a first-class atmosphere for watching live events.

Located under the A66 and opposite Stack in central Middlesbrough, the venue will offer interactive sports experiences for all ages as well as numerous TV screens throughout the venue.

James Thomson, director of Teesside Lions, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pitch Sports Bar to the Teesside Lions family.

“From our very first conversations it was clear that Pitch! shares our passion for sport, community and providing outstanding experiences for people across the region.

“As a club, we are continuing to grow at every level, from our junior programme through to our senior National League teams, and partnerships such as this are incredibly important in helping us achieve our ambitions.

“We are excited to work alongside the team at Pitch! and look forward to developing a strong relationship over the coming years.”

Pitch Sports Bar is part of the Pneuma Group, a locally based investment company committed to making a positive impact in the region.

The sponsorship agreement will see Pitch! support the Lions’ ongoing work in the National Basketball League, junior development, community outreach and the club’s collaboration with Teesside University.

The partnership is also expected to offer fans, players and sponsors additional opportunities to engage with the club outside of match days.

A spokesperson for Pitch! Sports Bar Middlesbrough said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Teesside Lions.

“The club represents everything that is positive about sport in our region – ambition, inclusivity, development and community spirit.

“We have been hugely impressed by the work being carried out by the Lions and are excited to support their journey.

“We look forward to welcoming players, supporters and sponsors to Pitch! and becoming part of the club’s continued success.”

The announcement comes as the Lions prepare for the 2026-27 season with a renewed focus on player development, community programmes and expanding the reach of basketball in the region.

It marks another year of off-court growth for the club, which sees the partnership as a way to deepen its impact in Teesside.

The Lions have thanked Pitch! for its backing and said they look forward to building a long-term partnership.

The club also encourages supporters and the wider community to follow its progress and activities through its official channels.

Fans can keep up to date with Pitch! Sports Bar Middlesbrough on social media @pitchmiddlesbrough or sign up for updates at pitchsports.bar.

The partnership aims to create new ways for fans to celebrate basketball and engage with the club outside of the arena, reflecting both organisations’ shared focus on community and high-quality experiences.

As the Lions continue to expand their presence on and off the court, the partnership is regarded as another step forward in their long-term vision for basketball across Teesside.