London Lions captain Shanice Beckford-Norton hopes her team can continue to champion the success of women's sport by qualifying for the group stages of the FIBA EuroCup.

The Lions won the Women's British Basketball League title for the first time last season and will face Spa Gran Canaria over two legs, tipping off at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Thursday night.

Along with West Ham Women, fellow basketball club Essex Rebels, London Pulse netball side and Sunrisers cricket team, the Lions helped form the Women's Elite Sport Partnership earlier this year.

The group, which is also supported by Essex and Middlesex cricket clubs, aims to collectively work together in order to help grow and sustain the development of women's sport in the UK.

Beckford-Norton feels the Lions making progress through to the regular season of the FIBA-backed competition would help capture new audiences to grow their fan base and inspire the next generation.

"There is definitely something happening within women's sport, with much younger women being successful and being in the spotlight," Beckford-Norton told the PA news agency.

"With the Lions playing this EuroCup tie, it is only going to help to boost that and is good for the sport's exposure.

"It is a good challenge. We are up for it and we have a deep roster with a lot of good weapons.

"The new players have been clicking very well together."

:: Tickets are still available for London Lions Women vs Spar Gran Canaria at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fiba-eurocup-qualifier-london-lions-vs-spar-gran-canaria-tickets-173557102967