 In 1987, the Explorers joined 14 other teams from the National Basketball League (England) and Scottish National Basketball League to form the new British Basketball League.The Explorers were successful in the new top flight, finishing fifth in league competition and reaching the playoff semi-finals while also reaching the quarter-finals of the National Cup.However, the club were forced to withdraw from the professional league after just one season, as they could not afford the court hire charge of just £14 at their North Bridge Leisure Centre venue.