National Badminton League targets world's biggest stars

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Team Derby were crowned champions at the K2 Crawley on Sunday bringing a close to the first season of the newly-formed league which includes shortened scoring, quick turnarounds and double-point 'power-plays'.

And Christy is confident that, as the league continues to grow, the format is one that will attract the world's best players to British shores. "One of the key drivers behind the NBL was about building profile and raising awareness of badminton - and we have achieved that," he said.

"Our expectation at the start of the year was to create a league that really captured the imagination of not only our existing fan base, but excite a whole new audience as well.

"The support of all six franchises, the quality of play, sports presentation and television coverage has made that happen. We have a product now that is incredibly exciting for the future of our sport.

"We we are working with the teams on a long term growth plan and from 2016/17, we will look to expand the NBL by at least one team, perhaps even going to a total of eight teams.

"Nothing is decided, but if we are to maximise the investment into, and reach of, the NBL, we have to look at securing global appeal.

"Therefore a key part of our thinking at the moment is exploring how the NBL can attract players not just from the UK and Europe but Asia as well."