National Basketball League of Canada Announces Canadian Cities

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HALIFAX,NS–Five more markets are now in the zone to become part of the Canada’s professional basketball league. Prince Edward Island, Barrie, Kingston, Oshawa and London Ontario are set become the newest teams to join the league.

“I am so thrilled at the level of interest we are receiving. Players and fans across the country are getting really excited about this new national league that is growing the sport in Canada,” says Interim League President & CEO, Andre Levingston.

Each of the five teams has successfully met the June 15 deadline of submitting deposit cheques and letters of intent to join the league for the upcoming season. They will all go through a rigorous approval process to establish the viability of each organization. The franchises are also in high-level negotiations to secure lease agreements with facilities in each of their home cities.

“I am very impressed by the work being done in these markets and with the ownership groups that have made the decision to move forward in the process of bringing professional basketball to their communities,” says Levingston. “The NBL will be second to none in delivering a high quality of thrilling, family entertainment for Canada to enjoy and call its own. This is something we can all be proud of.”

On June 29, an ownership meeting is scheduled to take place in Toronto, Ontario, to discuss the operations and logistics for the upcoming season.

“We are looking forward to our first ownership meeting so we can properly plan for the upcoming season, and make important decisions together as a group,” says Levingston.

If approved these teams will join Halifax, St. John and Quebec in the NBL for the 2011-12 season.