2026 KO CUP PRELIM TO BE REPEAT OF 2023 FINAL

The 'Wessex Marine' Pirates' MaxiCab Knockout cup defence for 2026 will begin with a first round contest against Scunthorpe.

The tie brings together the two clubs that have shared the title between them throughout the 2020's, with Scunthorpe having interrupted Poole's domination of the competition when they were crowned winners in 2023. They also met in the semi-finals two seasons ago, when Poole booked their fourth successive final showing with a 110-69 aggregate victory.

The winners of the round will progress to meet Oxford in the quarter finals.

Reflecting on the draw, co-promoter Dan Ford said "So, we start the cup in the preliminary round against Scunthorpe, who have strengthened with the signing of Josh Pickering, but our focus is firmly on our own performance. If we hit our standards over the two legs, we will give ourselves every chance of setting up a mouth-watering tie against Oxford.'

The full draw
Prelim/First round: 
Scunthorpe v Poole

Second Round/Quarter Finals: 
Oxford v winners of Prelim
Edinburgh v Redcar
Berwick v Workington
Plymouth v Glasgow
Dates will be announced once the fixture list has been finalised.

Supporters are reminded that the preliminary round home fixture will constitute part of the season ticket offer, applications for which remain open.
Covering 8 league matches, the KO Cup 1st round and 2 BSN group fixtures in addition to the Harbour Masters Championship, they are priced at:
Adult season ticket: £230.00
OAP & Concessions (65+ or disability): £200.00
Student (requires valid student ID): £115.00
Youth (ages 11–16): £65.00Season ticket holders will also be invited to Press and Practice day, and be eligible for a 10% discount on club shop purchases.