In an announcement that cannot be considered a huge surprise, the National Basketball League of Canada revealed Friday it is cancelling its 2020-21 season.
In the past, the NBLC — whose lineup of teams includes the St. John’s Edge — has started seasons in the latter half of the fall or early part of winter. It had had originally planned to get the 2020-21 campaign in late December, then postponed the start of its latest campaign to March 12.
That postponement was due to restrictions — especially with travel — resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As those restrictions remain very much in place, the league has now decided it won’t play any of its 2020-21 schedule.
With cross-border travel limited and those travelling subject to quarantine rules, simply bringing in players — the majority of NBLC rosters consist of Americans — was a huge problem. Inter-provincial travel — four of the league’s eight teams are in the Atlantic region, the other half in Ontario — was another factor, as was the prospect of playing in empty, or near-empty buildings, because of local gathering guidelines.
"We'll continue to use the time away to prepare for our milestone season when we return to play and strengthen our business processes". - @TheAudman
— NBL Canada (@NBLCanada) March 5, 2021
📝: https://t.co/SuPvGR9Dcr#NBLC pic.twitter.com/rkqqY8kzc1
"We're extremely disappointed at not being able to get back on the court and play our tenth season as planned,” said NBLC deputy commissioner Audley Stephenson said in a news release.
“However, the safety of our fans, players and everyone associated with our game is paramount.”
Stephenson said the league was counting on an improving situation as it delayed the start of the season. But that didn’t happen, at least not to the level required.
“Even with new vaccines being approved and distributed at a steady pace, there just wasn't enough time left in the year to consider another delay to the season start,” he said.
"The hope is that we would have seen a significant difference that would allow us to play. However, the continuing increase in COVID-19 case counts, the rise of the new variants and the inability to have fans in our venues makes it difficult to do so.”
Stephenson said the focus now shifts to a 2021-22 season
“We'll continue to use the time away to prepare for our milestone season when we return to play and strengthen our business processes,” he said, before ending with a thank-you to fans for their understanding.
“These are extremely difficult days for everyone. Please stay healthy and safe, and we look forward to being to bring good news regarding next season.”
