London Lightning evaluating whether to join new basketball ‘super league’
The 2023 London Lightning basketball team is seen in this undated photo. (Source: London Lightning/Twitter)
National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) franchises are evaluating joining a “super league” owned by US-based The Basketball League (TBL).
London Lightning owner Vito Frijia confirmed his club is assessing whether to play in the new TBL-spinoff league.
At a news conference scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Kitchener, TBL CEO Evelyn Magley, President David Magley, as well as David Schooley, owner of the KW Titans, will be on hand to provide news and details of the new league.
NBLC Vice-President of basketball operations Audley Stephenson told CTV News the NBLC has yet to sign off on any merger, as all the owners are doing their due diligence as to whether this is the right decision for each of them.
He added Schooley is excited about the potential of the super league.
Currently, the NBLC has only four franchises on the court, and their schedule is combined with the TBL to give them more opponents.
Speaking with CTV News Monday afternoon, David Magley said the Premium Basketball Super League will be a “win-win” for both his league and the franchises of the NBLC.
He added very few franchises are turning a profit with the current travel and schedule set up.
Magley’s goal is to have US teams play in the larger Canadian venues more often. All games will be played in arenas, which hold at least 2,500 fans.
Magley said it will give franchises like London, Sudbury, Kitchener, and Windsor the chance to make money by playing more games at home, and spend less on travel.
The TBL teams that play near the Canadian border would travel more, but would be subsidized by the NBLC teams who play in venues which hold more fans.
Stephenson said currently, the NBLC franchise owners have a stake in the league, but should they join the super league, that would not be the case.
At Tuesday’s announcement, principle stakeholders, teams, regions, partners and national sponsors, are to be unveiled.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING N.S. Progressive Conservatives win second majority government; NDP to form opposition
For the second time in a row, Tim Houston's Progressive Conservatives have won a majority government in Nova Scotia. But this time, the NDP will form the official opposition.
Paul Bernardo denied parole after victims' families plead he be kept behind bars
Notorious killer and rapist Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time after the families of his victims made an emotional plea to the Parole Board of Canada on Tuesday to keep him behind bars.
'We would likely go out of business': Canadian business owners sound the alarm over Trump's tariffs
Business leaders across Canada are voicing concerns and fear over the widespread impact increased tariffs could have on their companies and workers, with some already looking to boost sales in other markets in the event their products become too expensive to sell to American customers.
Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire brokered by U.S. and France, to take effect Wednesday
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah will take effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France, U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday.
Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance
Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday.
'We need to address those issues': Alberta Premier Danielle Smith won't denounce Trump tariff threat
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Canada should address U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's border concerns in the next two months, before he's back in the White House, instead of comparing our situation to Mexico's and arguing the tariff threats are unjustified.
Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods
The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January.
Should Canada retaliate if Trump makes good on 25 per cent tariff threat?
After U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports on his first day back in the White House unless his border concerns are addressed, there is mixed reaction on whether Canada should retaliate.
'We need to do better': Canadian leaders respond to Trump's border concerns
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens Canada with major tariffs, sounding alarms over the number of people and drugs illegally crossing into America, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and some premiers say they agree that more could be done.
Kitchener
-
Guelph man pleads guilty to leaving scene of crash that killed cyclist
A Guelph man has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of a cyclist and community advocate.
-
NHLer and former Kitchener Rangers staff member race to game on foot
Snow couldn't stop a Minnesota Wild hockey player from making it to his NHL debut, thanks to a little help from a former staff member of the Kitchener Rangers.
-
Paul Bernardo denied parole after victims' families plead he be kept behind bars
Notorious killer and rapist Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time after the families of his victims made an emotional plea to the Parole Board of Canada on Tuesday to keep him behind bars.
Barrie
-
One person seriously injured in collision with dump truck
Emergency crews attended the scene of a serious collision between a dump truck and a minivan in Clearview Township.
-
OPP investigating assault on municipal law enforcement officer
Provincial police are investigating after a municipal law enforcement officer was allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals.
-
Local businesses brace for Trump's tariff threats
A threat of tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has Canadians who do business south of border now keeping a close eye on his next moves.
Windsor
-
Downtown Mission concerned over ongoing Canada Post strike and donations tied up in negotiations
Officials at The Downtown Mission in Windsor are growing concerned about the amount of donations coming in since the strike at Canada Post began earlier this month.
-
Two suspects wanted for pharmacy break-in
Windsor police are searching for two suspects after a break-in at a pharmacy on Tecumseh Road East.
-
Lakeshore man facing more sex assault charges after second alleged victim comes forward
Essex County OPP say a Lakeshore man is facing more sexual assault charges after a second alleged victim has come forward.
Northern Ontario
-
Police seize $1M in drugs in northwestern Ont. bust
Suspects from Alberta and B.C. are in custody after Ontario Provincial Police made a massive drug bust at a rental unit near Kenora, Ont.
-
Sudbury resident scammed out of $20K, suspect from southern Ont. charged
A 21-year-old from southern Ontario has been charged with several offences after a victim from Greater Sudbury was tricked into giving him $20,000.
-
Loitering causing safety concerns by fire station in downtown Sudbury
There is enhanced security outside the main fire hall in downtown Sudbury in response to safety concerns.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Police seize $1M in drugs in northwestern Ont. bust
Suspects from Alberta and B.C. are in custody after Ontario Provincial Police made a massive drug bust at a rental unit near Kenora, Ont.
-
Sault police issue alert about surge in grandparent scams
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service warned residents Tuesday about a surge in grandparent scams targeting local senior citizens.
-
Sault road reopens after building safely demolished
A building on Queen Street East in Sault Ste. Marie is in danger of collapsing because of heavy snow.
Ottawa
-
O-Train Line 2 and 4 opening pushed into December at the earliest
The head of Ottawa's transit service says we will learn more about the launch of O-Train Line 2 and 4 next week, as the north-south light rail line remains closed to passengers.
-
'It's insulting:' Ontario premier slams Trump on Canadian tariff threat
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is reacting to a threat from incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, calling the proposal ‘insulting’ and emphasizing the need for leaders to work together on a response.
-
Questions regarding photo radar tickets in Ottawa amid postal workers' strike
As the ongoing Canada Post workers' strike continues to shut down mail delivery, there are questions about those photo radar tickets issued on Ottawa streets and what it means for speeders.
Toronto
-
Ford says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods like 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is akin to 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart.'
-
Serial killer Paul Bernardo denied parole for a third time: Key moments from today's hearing
Notorious killer Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time following a hearing before the Parole Board of Canada.
-
Wanted suspect shot at passing vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga: OPP
Ontario Provincial Police are looking for a man who they say shot at several vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga Tuesday morning.
Montreal
-
Cinemas Guzzo closing West Island theatre amid major financial troubles
Cinemas Guzzo owner and reality TV star Vincenzo (Vince) Guzzo said he will close the Cinema Des Sources location as he faces financial trouble and fights to save his business.
-
21-year-old man shot in Rosemont apartment
A 21-year-old man was shot in the upper body following a suspected break-in, said Montreal police.
-
'Broken lives and families': former members of Quebec religious community speak out
Several former members of fringe religious community the Mission de L’Esprit Saint are urging the Quebec government to intervene following claims that it was a cult that brainwashed some members. Their stories are being told in a new documentary by Noovo Info.
Atlantic
-
BREAKING
BREAKING N.S. Progressive Conservatives win second majority government; NDP to form opposition
For the second time in a row, Tim Houston's Progressive Conservatives have won a majority government in Nova Scotia. But this time, the NDP will form the official opposition.
-
'Human error' and high traffic cause snafus on election day in Nova Scotia
Tuesday was election day in Nova Scotia, but not everything went according to plan. Elections Nova Scotia says “human error” is to blame for a delayed opening at one polling station and high traffic caused its website to crash.
-
N.S. lobster buyer calls for heightened policing after shot fired into Meteghan home
A lobster buyer in Meteghan, N.S., is looking for increased policing and a community-wide push aimed at organized crime after a bullet was fired into his home on Saturday night.
Winnipeg
-
Premier Kinew says Trump's tariffs would cause a recession in Manitoba
Tariffs on Canadian goods headed to the United States would mean a recession in Manitoba. That is how Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew feels about comments from president-elect Donald Trump Monday.
-
Winnipeg exploring shatterproof glass for bus shelters as city struggles with repairs
As Winnipeg struggles to keep up with repairs to bus shelters with broken glass, the city is looking to test shatterproof glass in hopes that will save time and money down the road.
-
Walking for love: 100-year-old Winnipeg man continues to make trek to visit his wife
It's considered lucky to live to be 100, but often when you hit that milestone, you're faced with significant mobility issues. Not Winnipeg's Jack Mudry. The centenarian regularly walks five blocks to get where he wants to go, the care home where his wife Stella lives.
Calgary
-
TSB orders more training following incident involving plane in Calgary
The Transportation Safety Board says an incident that involved a Westjet plane hitting the runway in Calgary earlier this year was connected to an issue with pilot training on a particular model of aircraft.
-
Alberta takes aim at emissions cap, proposes rules on trespass and data gathering
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is taking steps to challenge the proposed federal greenhouse gas emissions cap.
-
Richard Pootmans stepping down from Calgary city council effective immediately
Ward 6 councillor Richard Pootmans is stepping down from city council, effective immediately.
Edmonton
-
RCMP investigate death of MMA fighter in bout on Alberta First Nation
Police are investigating the death of a man at a mixed-martial arts fight Saturday on the Enoch First Nation adjacent to Edmonton.
-
Alberta takes aim at emissions cap, proposes rules on trespass and data gathering
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is taking steps to challenge the proposed federal greenhouse gas emissions cap.
-
A look at Jasper's finances following last summer's wildfire
Jasper is facing a major budget crunch in the wake of last summer's wildfire.
Regina
-
Charged dropped against ex Regina high school teacher accused of sexual exploitation of student
A former Regina high school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female student was acquitted on Tuesday of all five charges he faced, Regina’s Court of King’s Bench confirmed to CTV News.
-
Affordability and tariffs dominate talk as legislature resumes in Saskatchewan
Day two of an exceptionally short fall sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature has now wrapped. An opposition motion to cut the provincial gas tax was struck down while the government faced criticism on more than half a dozen portfolios.
-
SJHL game postponed in Weyburn over ammonia leak
A hockey game scheduled between the Yorkton Terriers and Weyburn Red Wings has been postponed due to a "mechanical issue."
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon man hospitalized after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead
A man has been taken to hospital after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead early on Tuesday.
-
The Riche stuff: Off-season addition enjoying early success with Saskatoon Blades
The Saskatoon Blades were back in action Tuesday after a rare day off due to the snow Monday.
-
Affordability and tariffs dominate talk as legislature resumes in Saskatchewan
Day two of an exceptionally short fall sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature has now wrapped. An opposition motion to cut the provincial gas tax was struck down while the government faced criticism on more than half a dozen portfolios.
Vancouver
-
-
$30K used as payment in 1990s murder-for-hire plot must be forfeited: B.C. court
A B.C. court has ordered the forfeiture of $30,000 in cash that was seized during a murder-for-hire investigation more than 30 years ago.
-
Fatal crash occurred after driver failed to stop for police in B.C. Interior, IIO says
One of B.C.'s police oversight agencies has been called after an attempted traffic stop and subsequent fatal collision in the provincial Interior.
Vancouver Island
-
Public help sought in search for missing man with dementia
The family of a 64-year-old man with dementia is pleading with the public to help, urging a close look at pictures of their loved one – as a search for him extends into its fourth day.
-
BC Ferries changing direction on how it receives community feedback
BC Ferries says it’s changing route on how it receives feedback from the public.
-
B.C. court levies $4K fine, year-long ban for illegal fishing
A British Columbia man was handed a $4,000 fine and a one-year fishing ban after he was caught using a gillnet to illegally catch salmon.
