Scottish basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators scores slam dunk with hire of advisor to foster commercial activities

“Raymond will add significant experience and expertise.”

Raymond Sparkes says: 'I’ve got a wealth of passion and experience in professional sport, and I want to use that to help grow the club commercially and attract new revenue streams.' Picture: contributed.

A venture billed as Scotland's only professional basketball franchise that is co-owned by multi-millionaire businessman Steve Timoney has appointed a veteran sports agent, whose previous roles also include Hibernian FC commercial director, as an advisor.

Raymond Sparkes, who is credited with having more than four decades of experience working with top European sports teams and organisations, will support the Caledonia Gladiators in key areas including commercial growth, player recruitment, and contractual matters. The businessman, who runs ProStar Management agency in Glasgow, was previously commercial manager of Falkirk-based basketball team Team Solripe from the 1980s, and played the sport at schoolboy level for Scotland and Great Britain.

He has worked as a football agent since 1991, and brokered the first two Bosman deals in the UK, including ex-Scotland star John Collins from Celtic to Monaco. His current clients include ex-SFA technical director Malky Mackay and Crystal Palace player Scott Banks, whilst he also helped negotiate Scotland star Kieran Tierney’s first professional contract at Celtic.

Sparkes, who recently achieved a Masters in Sports Directorship from Salford University, said: “I’ve loved basketball my entire life, so it’s a real honour to get the chance to support the Caledonia Gladiators as it continues to grow the sport here in Scotland. I’ve got a wealth of passion and experience in professional sport, and I want to use that to help grow the club commercially and attract new revenue streams.”

His appointment follows the Caledonia Gladiators earlier this season moving into its multi-million-pound new home at the Playsport complex in East Kilbride, the first stage of a £20 million stadium project described as the largest single investment in Scottish basketball history. The work has been funded by club owners Steve Timoney, who founded and sold Smart Metering Systems, and wife Alison, who also own luxury hotel Crossbasket Castle in East Kilbride.

Tony McDaid, chief executive of the Caledonia Gladiators, said: “Raymond will add significant experience and expertise in his role as consultant, so we’re really pleased to welcome him to the Caledonia Gladiators. We believe his commercial expertise will naturally help us with recruitment of players in the future, as well as help us continue to professionalise the sport here in Scotland, so it’s really positive news to be announcing this alignment and partnership.”