Last season's Cheshire Phoenix MVP Devan Bailey has requested to be released from his contract owing to a lack of minutes on the court.
Point guard Bailey, 25, who hails from Helsby, signed a new two-year deal with the Nix in the summer after impressing for the BBL side last term but has had to be content with a role from the bench this season for John Coffino's men.
The announcement will come as a blow to Nix fans, with the Great Britain international a popular figure at the Northgate Arena.
The Nix have been left unhappy at Bailey's decision and received a formal request of his release by another club, believed to be a French league side, last Friday.
A club statement read: "It is with regret that we must inform you that Devan Bailey formally requested a release from his contract yesterday at a meeting with the chairman and the coaching staff.
"Despite the club feeling that our winning team is the best option for the player we are unable to increase his minutes on court and he is unhappy with his current role on the team coming off the bench.
"We fully understand this is a blow to the fans, who last year voted Devan MVP, and regret that after signing a two year deal, Devan has taken the decision to breach his contract by negotiating with another club and that this other club formally requested the release of his licence via our governing body, Basketball England, on Friday last.
"Cheshire Phoenix are not prepared to be placed in the untenable position of attempting to retain a Player who is dissatisfied with his agreed offering and who wants to immediately terminate his current contract to the detriment of our community club."
