ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — There is another professional basketball league eyeing St. John’s as a destination for an expansion franchise starting in 2021.
That’s despite the fact the National Basketball League of Canada’s St. John’s Edge hit the hardwood in December for a fourth season.
Why does the commissioner of TBL (The Basketball League) feel there’s enough room in St. John’s and Mile One Centre, the Edge’s home court, to house two pro basketball teams?
“In a non-COVID-19 world,” said David Magley, “we play two different seasons. We get going when they end.”
The NBL Canada generally runs from November or December until April or May. TBL plays a 24-game schedule starting in March and finishing in June.
If Magley’s name is familiar to local basketball fans, it should be. He was the NBL Canada’s commissioner when the Edge franchise was awarded to St. John’s.
Magley said TBL franchise rights for St. John’s have been awarded to a triumvirate of businesspeople: Tony Kenny, John Fisher and William Kennedy.
The three also vied for the NBL Canada expansion franchise.
TBL currently has 26 teams in the U.S., in states such as New York, Michigan, Texas, California and Ohio.
“We believe U.S. basketball is the highest level and most entertaining basketball in the world,” Kenny said. “We are hoping to bring this to fans across our province next year.
“We think St. John’s is a great market for pro sports, and we think there’s plenty of room there for TBL.” — David Magley
“Unlike most leagues, players in the TBL are young, fresh out of college and eager to play.”
“We think,” Magley said, “St. John’s is a great market for pro sports, and we think there’s plenty of room there for TBL.”
Kenny says his group will be reaching out to the City of St. John’s and SJSE to discuss a lease partnership agreement.
Twitter: @telyrobinshort
