River Lions agree to multi-year lease

Deal with arena gives CEBL team exclusive pro hoops rights

The Niagara River Lions and SMG Canada, which operates the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, have reached an agreement on a new multi-year lease.

Specific terms of the lease were not made public.

The River Lions, who will make their Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) debut in May 2019, had played their three previous seasons at the downtown arena under the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) umbrella.

Under the new agreement, the Lions will be the exclusive basketball partner inside Meridian Centre.

It was thought that the NBLC, and an unnamed ownership group, was attempting to play out of the arena this coming fall and winter. The CEBL is a spring/ summer league.

“The River Lions have been outstanding partners in the arena during the past three years, and we're looking forward to continuing that relationship into the future,” Meridian Centre general manager Jeff Dixon said. “The River Lions have been a huge part of our community.

“Their vision to enhance the entertainment experience for

fans and to deliver high-calibre professional basketball to St. Catharines is a real win for the people and businesses of the region.

“We're looking forward to hosting the members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League in one of Canada's premier sports and entertainment venues.”

Meridian Centre holds 4,030 spectators for basketball and the River Lions are one of six franchises that make up the CEBL. Hamilton, Guelph, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Abbotsford, B.C., are the other centres set to tip off in the spring of 2019.

“We are excited that the Meridian Centre will be the exclusive home of the Niagara River Lions, and that the team's passionate fan base will get to enjoy worldclass basketball and full-scale entertainment in the beautiful venue,” said Mike Morreale, chief executive officer of the CEBL.

“As the only FIBA-affiliated professional basketball league in Canada, the CEBL will provide a new basketball experience.

“We would like to thank Jeff Dixon and SMG Canada for ensuring that the longstanding relationship between the Meridian Centre and the River Lions will continue to grow and benefit fans, players, and corporate and community partners.”

The six teams in the CEBL will play a 20-game schedule, with 10 home and 10 away games.

Lion Pride: Former River Lion and USports (Canadian university) player of the year Connor Wood recently signed a pro contract to play in Germany ... The Lions are planning a CEBL Launch Party on Friday September 14, from 4 to 7 pm at Market Square in downtown St. Catharines.

“The River Lions have been outstanding partners in the

arena during the past three years, and we're looking forward to continuing that relationship into the future.”

JEFF DIXON

Meridian Centre general manager