UEL vice-chancellor and President Amanda Broderick said the enhanced deal would "create career pathways for students from diverse fields, such as media, physiotherapy and sports management".

The agreement was launched during the London Lions' clash with Bristol Flyers at the Copper Box Arena on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London this month and will run throughout the 2020 BBL season.

It is the latest extension to the UEL's longstanding partnership with the club, who clinched the BBL title for the first time in May.

London Lions play some of their matches at the UEL's SportsDock, while players for the university team are able to call on the support of the club's coaching stuff.

In November 2018, the two institutions collaborated to give players access to educational opportunities and students the ability to take up internships and work experience.

"We’re extremely pleased and proud to be partnering with the London Lions," UEL chief operating officer Ian Pickup said.

"The UEL has a long tradition of elite sport that our connection with the Lions can only strengthen and deepen. 

"Our athletes will have privileged access to professional sporting opportunities while students will gain invaluable experience with a professional sports franchise."

London Lions chief executive and head coach Vince Macaulay said the club was "pleased and excited to be extending our partnership" with the UEL.

"Together we can support the development of basketball in the capital and teach more young people to live and love this sport," Macaulay added.