History in the Making: Caledonia Gladiators Set Sights on Playoff Glory This Weekend

Caledonia Gladiators Women are on the brink of history as they travel to London this weekend to compete for the top spot in the Super League Basketball Playoffs – marking the first time a professional Scottish women’s basketball team has reached this stage of the British league.

After an outstanding regular season, Scottish’s professional basketball team narrowly missed out on the league’s top position, finishing level on points with long-standing rivals Sheffield Hatters. Now, the stage is set for a decisive showdown, as the Scottish side look to overturn their rivals and claim ultimate glory.

The matchup carries added significance following February’s SLB Trophy Final, where the Gladiators suffered a tough defeat to Sheffield Hatters. With that result still fresh, the team heads into this weekend with renewed determination and a point to prove.

Their route to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. The Gladiators secured an 87–82 comeback victory over Manchester Basketball on 3 May in a thrilling quarter-final, overturning a deficit in the final minutes. They followed this with an impressive 80-58 semi-final win over Essex Rebels on 10 May, booking their place in the final.

Now, as they head to the 02 in London, the first time any Scottish women’s team has reached the Playoff Finals, the women are ready to go head-to-head with Sheffield Hatters following their 85-64 win against Oakland Wolves.

Last season delivered a landmark achievement for the club, with the Gladiators lifting the SLB Trophy – the first major silverware ever won by a Scottish women’s basketball team.

Based in East Kilbride, the franchise has continued its upward trajectory, delivering a consistently strong campaign and building momentum both on and off the court. Attendances at Playsport Arena have surged, with record crowds of over 1,000 fans at both Playoff home fixtures – highlighting the growing appetite for elite women’s basketball in Scotland.

The squad blends international experience with a strong Scottish core, with half of the roster made up of homegrown talent. Players from Canada, France, and the United States complete a dynamic and competitive lineup.

Head Coach Chantelle Handy said: “This group has shown incredible resilience and belief all season. To reach this stage is a huge moment not just for the club, but for women’s basketball in Scotland. We know what’s at stake, and after February, the players are hungry to put things right. We’re ready for the challenge.”

Tony McDaid, CEO of Caledonia Gladiators, added: “What this team has achieved already is historic, but there’s a real sense that this is just the beginning. The growth we’re seeing in performances, in fan support, and in visibility for the women’s game is something everyone connected to the club is incredibly proud of. This weekend is a chance to make history yet again and continue to grow as we build a basketball nation in Scotland.”

Caledonia Gladiators Women take on Sheffield Hatters at 1.30pm on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at the London O2.

To purchase tickets visit https://www.britishbasketballshop.com/products/caledoniaplayoffs