CEBL forms partnership with Canadian universities

Canada's newest professional basketball league is giving university players in this country something to shoot for.

A collaboration between the Canadian Elite Basketball League and U SPORTS, the governing body for university sports in Canada, will allow student-athletes to compete professionally during the spring and summer without losing their amateur status and post-secondary eligibility.

Top university players will be drafted as part of a leaguewide entry draft scheduled for mid-March, following the 2019 U SPORTS Men's Basketball Final 8 in Halifax.

Under the partnership announced Tuesday, each of the six teams, including the St. Catharines-based Niagara River Lions, must use a roster spot for a Canadian university player returning for another season at the post-secondary level.

Instead of getting paid, as will the other 10 players on the roster, the university player will receive remuneration in the form of scholarships.

"We are excited to partner with the CEBL and give our men's basketball student-athletes the chance to stay in Canada to pursue their dreams," U SPORTS president and chief executive officer Graham Brown said. "We are happy to see the sport of basketball grow at home following Canada's recent qualification for the FIBA World Cup and help create a bright future for the sport across the country."

The fledgling league, the official professional league partner of Canada Basketball, opens its inaugural season in May with franchises in Edmonton, Guelph, Hamilton, Abbotsford, B.C., Saskatoon as well as St. Catharines.

Reserving a roster part for a university player isn't the only thing the CEBL is doing to promote basketball in Canada. Canadians must fill seven of the other 10 roster spot for paid players.

"A partnership between the CEBL and U SPORTS bodes well for the development of basketball in Canada," said Glen Grunwald, president and chief executive officer of Canada Basketball. "This opens up a unique opportunity for student-athletes to develop their talents right here in their home country.

"That's a sign of a very exciting time for the sport."

The new league likewise is looking forward to the partnership.

"Partnering with U SPORTS to help grow the rising stars of basketball in this country really excites us," CEBL chief executive officer Mike Morreale said. "I would like to thank Graham and his team for their passionate involvement in helping the CEBL develop and grow the game in this country and make it a global basketball powerhouse."

CEBL teams will play a 20-game regular season May 9 to Aug. 15, with a league championship playoff at a site to be announced.

The River Lions tip off their season on the road May 10 against the Saskatchewan Ratters, and May 11 versus the Edmonton Stingers.

Niagara hosts Edmonton in their home opener Thursday, May 16, at Meridian Centre.

Bernd.Franke@niagaradailies.com

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