The Canadian Elite Basketball League (LECB), founded in 2018, has grown steadily since its inception. Commissioner of the circuit from the very beginning, Mike Morreale recently signed a contract extension until 2028. He will do everything in his power to continue contributing to the development of basketball in Canada.
” I’m excited. It’s fantastic: I have devoted my life to it over the past few years, ”said the principal concerned, in a telephone interview. “What the contract extension has brought is stability. And it’s very important to grow smart, in the right way. »
From May 24 to July 30, the LECB will hold its fifth season. Over the years, it has grown in credibility, audience and prominence. She is now the benchmark for professional basketball in Canada, if we exclude the Toronto Raptors.
In the first campaign, in 2019, there were six teams. This figure rose to seven the following year, when we opted for the bubble format: only six games on the calendar with a restricted schedule, at the height of the pandemic. Then, in 2021, each club played 14 matches.
“Getting through COVID has become an opportunity. It wasn’t easy, but it solidified who we were: people who could get through this. We have had our successes: players signing in the NBA, television contracts, or attracting international players. »
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MONTREAL ALLIANCE
Canadian Elite Basketball League Commissioner Mike Morreale
Last year, three expansion franchises – including the Montreal Alliance – joined the association. The LECB now had 10 franchises, each with 20 games on the schedule.
“We became a path to the NBA, the G League or the Euroleague. We’ve convinced world-class players to [passer leur été] in Canada. »
It was quite a journey. When I look at where we started and where we are, it’s night and day.
Mike Morreale, LECB Commissioner
LECB basketball is also notable for its use of theElam ending : four minutes from the end of a match, the stopwatch is stopped and a goal of points to be reached is set, which corresponds to nine more than the score of the leading team. The first formation to reach it immediately ends the fight.
“It wasn’t particularly applauded by players, coaches or GMs at first…but it’s much better for the fan experience. It’s just a more exciting way to end a game, a winning basket. It’s much better than timeouts and free throws. We were the first in the world to do so. We took a risk. But the NBA chose to try it in the G League, so we’re doing something right. »
Montreal, basketball city
When he thinks of the very first home game in the history of the Montreal Alliance, which he attended last summer, Mike Morreale has a smile in his voice.
“I loved every minute. The organization was built over a very small period, in the first months of 2022. My hope was that it caught fire, and it happened quickly. They support their people, the Montrealers. The supporters feel that they are heard, which does not happen everywhere. The demand for season tickets is increasing exponentially for this year. »
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
A match between the Montreal Alliance and the Ottawa BlackJacks at the Verdun Auditorium, in May 2022.
In 2023, much like the Canadian Football League (CFL), the LECB introduces a format comprising two associations: East and West. This will help reduce transport times, create rivalries, and potentially increase the number of matches.
Also new: in the past few months, LECB professional basketball has settled in four of the nine most populous cities in the country. The Guelph Nighthawks became the Calgary Surge, the Fraser Valley Bandits and the Hamilton Honey Badgers moved to Vancouver and Brampton respectively, and a new franchise was founded in Winnipeg. They will be “integral parts of the league”, according to the commissioner.
We do better in the bigger markets… there’s media coverage, and you become part of the community. You have to work harder, but it works if you do it well, because these towns don’t have professional basketball yet. I hope the trend will continue in the relatively near future.
Mike Morreale, LECB Commissioner
Since 2021, we have been hearing talk of a possible expansion in the capital of La Belle Province. It is still relevant.
“Absolutely, there must be another team in Quebec. It’s a big pool of talent. Quebec City is at the top of the list. We want a club in the not too distant future. I am currently working on it. »
In the medium or long term, Mike Morreale hopes for “arenas built for basketball, where you can train all year round”. In close communication with FIBA, he maintains that they want to “share [le modèle canadien] with others around the world.
And for Montreal fans, he expects an “incredible season”.
“I know there is a lot of interest from several players. There will be a new and improved team on the pitch, and it will show. »
LECB teams in 2023
East
- Montreal Alliance
- Ottawa Blackjacks
- Scarborough Shooting Stars
- Niagara River Lions
- Brampton Honey Badgers
West
- Saskatchewan Rattlers
- Edmonton Stingers
- Calgary Surge
- Vancouver Bandits
- Winnipeg Sea Bears