U Sports, familiar to many sports-loving Canadians as the national brand for varsity sports at the university level in Canada, announced a new partnership with the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
In doing so, both organizations, as well as the development of basketball in Canada, benefit.
U Sports benefits from access to a new, professional league option for its athletes to join after finishing up university. The CEBL benefits from direct access to draft picks from skilled, court-tested players. Ultimately, athletes benefit by having a paid league besides the NBA and European leagues to further their basketball career options, and on their own home turf no less.
“This opens up a unique opportunity for student-athletes to develop their talents right here in their home country,” said Glen Grunwald, president and CEO of Canada Basketball.
“That’s a sign of a very exciting time for the sport.”
Graham Brown, president and chief executive officer of U Sports agrees.
“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.”
The CEBL shared that sentiment.
“Partnering with U Sports to help grow the rising stars of basketball in this country really excites us,” said Mike Morreale, the CEBL’s CEO.
CEBL’s announcement is timely. The league, which plays under FIBA rules, comes not long after Canada’s qualification for the FIBA World Cup.
For more information, visit www.cebl.ca.
