NBLC Announces Newest Franchise for the Waterloo Region
June 28, 2016 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) News Release
London, Ontario - NBL Canada is pleased to announce its newest expansion franchise for the Waterloo Region (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & surrounding townships). The NBL Board of Governors voted unanimously on Monday June 27, 2016 to accept the application of the new ownership group.
The ownership group is comprised of:
- Ball Construction as majority shareholders. The 90 year old firm is well known in the region for their spectacular projects and consistent involvement in the community. They were the primary builders of the Meridian Centre in St Catharines where the Niagara River Lions franchise call home. Very involved with this venture are Jason Ball President, Cameron Ball Vice President and Frank Schneider CFO.
- Innosoft Canada is a minority shareholder. This organization is known for its product called "Fusion" that is used on many college & university campuses across North America for athletic facilities and team scheduling. The two representatives from this company are Brian Foster and Jeff Berg, owners.
- The other minority shareholder is Leon Martin. Martin, a local entrepreneur from Elmira ON, is known in the community for his successful business ventures and love of sports. He was an avid basketball player and continues to compete in volleyball. His involvement gives the group inroads to all of the townships and rounds out the group nicely.
The market is primed and very hungry for a team. "The City of Kitchener is excited to be home to one of the newest professional basketball teams in the National Basketball League of Canada, " sad Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "There is already so much passion and support for basketball in this community. Having a local, professional team will only contribute to the growth of this exciting and entertaining sport."
"We are thrilled to be hosting a NBLC franchise here in our community, " said Dave Jaworsky, Mayor of the City of Waterloo. "A NBLC team will provide our young athletes an opportunity to learn, and to interact with Canada's best and it will offer a great fan experience for our families."
The entire region is thrilled as well "Basketball fans in the Region will be pleased to hear that they can see great basketball locally. This is a great addition to the Region" says Ken Seiling, Chairman of the Waterloo Region.
The next step is a "naming contest". Fans can send their suggestions to info@kwnbl.com or go to www.nblcanada.ca before July 15th. In August the new team name will be announced and the lucky winner will receive two free season tickets.
The team fits in nicely to make a strong five team Central Division, with the London Lightning being a natural rival. Other teams in the conference are: The Windsor Express, Orangeville A's and Niagara River Lions. The Atlantic Division consists of the Saint John Mill Rats, Moncton Miracles, PEI Island Storm, Halifax Hurricanes and the Cape Breton Highlanders (pending). Basketball is the most popular participation sport in Canada.
The recent success of Canadians in the NCAA and NBA, as well as the growth of the game with Canada Basketball and the CIS university system, provides perfect timing for this league to capture the wave of fan support that inevitable follows the success of the players.
The NBL Canada is entering its 6th season after just wrapping up a successful year, with competitive play all season, a record number of community events attended by players, and a rabid fan base. NBL Canada has had over 1.75 million fans watch games live or via YouTube in the past 5 years.
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