Abbotsford – Pro basketball is coming back to BC. But will it stick around this time? CEBL The Canadian Elite Basketball League announced it’s second franchise, located in Abbotsford and playing out of the Abbotsford Centre.
This is not the first time that Pro hoops have come our way. The NBA Vancouver Grizzlies (1995-2001) were mismanaged right from the start (by the league and the owners, Orca Bay). They played out of then GM Place (now Rogers Arena). They almost headed to St.Louis but that was nixed by the NBA. The team ended up in Memphis.
Before that, the WBL World Basketball League started in 1988 as the Vancouver Nighthawks played one season in BC Place. That league folded in 1992.
UFV’s Basketball program looks forward to the opportunity to see hoops grow in the Valley. Steve Tuckwood, Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation, UFV told FVN:
“We wish the new league well as they begin their journey and if their club raises the profile of the sport in the valley or across the lower mainland, that’s good for our teams and good for the sport of basketball. At UFV our basketball teams enjoy top-flight competition against the best university athletes competing in Canada West and U-sport, and we’re fortunate and gratified to have solid support from the Fraser Valley community.”
From the Fraser Valley Team Website:
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is pleased to announce its second team naming Fraser Valley Professional Basketball Club (team name to be chosen at a later date) just one week after announcing Guelph, Ontario as its first territory. The Abbotsford Centre, a multi-purpose venue committed to serving as a leading Canadian sports & entertainment facility, is proud to be working with the CEBL’s Launch Committee in bringing professional basketball to the Fraser Valley region in British Columbia. The team will appoint a Director of Operations in the coming weeks, after which the organization will begin connecting with its host communities.
The CEBL’s Launch Committee has been working diligently to deliver a team to Canada’s west coast. “One of our goals is to bring entertaining, professional basketball to venues across Canada, stated a CEBL Launch Member. “Western Canada has been lobbying for professional basketball since the loss of its Vancouver Grizzlies in 2001. We are extremely excited to fill this void, by bringing a team back to the west coast.”
The Abbotsford Centre’s events are currently drawing from its host community (Abbotsford) as well as the surrounding municipalities including Langley, Surrey, Mission, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Hope. “This team in Fraser Valley will be one for all of the region’s fans to call their own. The Fraser Valley is a vibrant and rapidly growing region that we are excited to be a part of.” said a member of the league’s Launch Committee.
Staff at the Abbotsford Centre were pleased to welcome their newest professional team. “We’re excited to welcome the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) to the Abbotsford Centre. The sport of basketball continues to grow in the community and throughout the Fraser Valley region, with competitive high school and University programs, stated Andrew Nash, Spectra General Manager at the Abbotsford Centre. “At the end of the day, it’s another opportunity to grow the sport of basketball in the region, while further expanding upon our robust event schedule during the summer months.”
The CEBL’s Launch Committee will appoint a Director of Operations for the Fraser Valley territory in the coming weeks. The public is encouraged to apply for the position by sending applications to the league office via the email address below. League officials have yet to announce a start date for the league’s inaugural season, however, they can confirm that Fraser Valley will begin operations immediately.
In the coming months, more announcements will be made regarding plans for the Fraser Valley territory. Sport entertainment fans, media, and stakeholders will be invited to join the team for its inaugural press conference, at which time fans will be asked to engage in the team’s name the team contest. For more information and updates, fans are encouraged to visit the team’s page on the CEBL website.
About the Canadian Elite Basketball League
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is a domestic professional men’s basketball league with teams located across Canada. The CEBL will provide sports fans with a premium entertainment option while also allowing players, coaches and other stakeholders the opportunity to engage in the sport of basketball at the highest level. The CEBL will operate in accordance with the player and referee standards set by Canada Basketball, the National Sporting Organization for the sport of Basketball in Canada. The league will proudly adhere to the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) rules and regulations.
