The Sheffield Hatters lift their third trophy of the Super League Basketball Women (SLBW) campaign by clinching the championship.

At this point, the Sheffield Hatters feel unstoppable. With three trophies already in their cabinet, Vanessa Ellis’ team is yet to show signs of slowing down.

For much of the season, the SLBW championship felt like a two-horse race. The Caledonia Gladiators led the pack as the Hatters ruthlessly chased down their rivals for the top spot.

Sheffield’s Betty Codona Trophy triumph over the Caledonia Gladiators was the catalyst for change. The Hatters created a momentum swing that has yet to be halted.

With one game remaining, the SLBW champions boast a 15-2 record, and it is hard not to be impressed by the dominant brand of basketball the team has exhibited all year long.

Depth and consistency were key for the Sheffield Hatters

Heading into the season, Sheffield were very much front-runners in every domestic competition that Super League Basketball was to offer.

Everything seemed to align for inevitable success. Roster continuity, supplemented by fantastic talent, the Hatters constructed a squad that few could contend with.

Georgia Gayle was the first player announced by Sheffield for the 2025-26 season, and she has again been integral to Ellis’ blueprint for success. The SLBW Cup MVP has averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals over 16 appearances, with a career-high 40 points coming during the Hatters’ 103-102 defeat to the Essex Rebels.

Acquiring the experienced Megan Mullings and ever-improving Antionette Lewis only bolstered an already brilliant roster.

Mullings is a standout candidate for the championship MVP award — registering 18.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 stocks per game to showcase her supreme two-way ability.

Lewis is an unsung hero of Sheffield’s trophy-laden season. The former Newcastle Eagles center has played in all 17 games for the Hatters this year — averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.2 stocks per game.

With the postseason swiftly approaching, it is hard to imagine anyone other than the Sheffield Hatters lifting the trophy. Momentum, squad depth, and winning experience are all in their favour. However, they have earned every ounce of success this season and deserve to be congratulated for their dominance.