The team decided to sit out the 2002–03 season after failing to find a suitable venue for home games.

(which NBA head coach Nick Nurse was a player/coach), the team was a founder member of the franchise-based professional BBL when it was set up in 1987.

Another name change took place in 1991, becoming the Derby Bucks, and in 1993 the franchise withdrew from the BBL due to financial problems, but was "rescued" and allowed to re-enter before the new season began.

Storm were given permission to "sit out" the 2002–03 season, to generate finance and find an alternative venue,[1] but having not returned since, the franchise membership with the BBL has lapsed.

Basketball remained in the city however as fans took it upon themselves to take control of Storm's reserve team and reform them as Derby Trailblazers.