MONTEGO BAY, St James — The 2012 season of the Western Basketball Association's (WBA) Men's Basketball Championships is set to get underway later this month with a new sponsor, Observer West understands.

Deon Williams, a vice-president of the WBA and the league coordinator told Observer West this week they were in negotiations with a potential new sponsor, adding however, that the league would start at end of month whether the deal was finalised or not.

Twelve teams led by last season's beaten finalists Montego Bay Cricket Club Knights and at least seven new comers are expected to participate in the competition, Williams said.

The other teams expected to take part are Montego Bay Boys Club Warriors, Inner-city Avalanche who were demoted from the National Basketball League-west, Trelawny Tornadoes who are back after a one year break, Granville Wolfpack and a revamped Sav Jayhawks.

The new teams expected to participate are Cornwall Courts, Coral Gardens and four clubs from Trelawny-- William Knibb, Muschett High, Holland High and Rockybar Ballers.