NBL of Canada cancels season
The National Basketball League of Canada had hoped to pick up where it left off. Instead, the league has given up hopes of returning to the court this season.
The league was aiming to resume league play on March 12, which was one year from the time things were shut down due to COVID-19.
“We were going to attempt to pick up the remainder of the (201920) season from last year,” Windsor Express chief executive Dartis Willis said.
However, unable to conceive a plan that would allow fans in the stands with the approval of government and health officials, the league announced on Friday the season has been officially cancelled.
“We were trying to forecast whether health units would allow us to play back in Windsor or Canada,” Willis said. “They will allow a vacuum bubble, but to play with fans? Nothing. They're doing some interesting things out east, but here in Ontario, none of the teams could have fans.”
Though disappointed by the outcome, no one in the league is blaming anyone under the circumstances.
“We're extremely disappointed at not being able to get back on the court and play our 10th season as planned,” NBL of Canada deputy commissioner Audley Stephenson said in a release. “However, the safety of our fans, players, and everyone associated with our game
is paramount.”
Instead, the league will now start making plans to resume play with a 2021-22 season.
“Right now, our normal seasons starts with a December time frame,” Willis said. “We may choose to pull back a little and start in November, as long as no COVID or health restrictions are holding us back.”
Willis said all eight teams have been participating in conference calls during the shutdown.
“We expect everyone back, but we expect some good surprises in a good way,” Willis said. “You may see a new team.”
For now, Willis wants Express fans to stay safe and be patient.
“I would tell fans in Windsor thank you for all the great seasons, stay safe and healthy, and be ready for a new season and to bounce back to a different environment,” Willis said. “I'm hoping and praying everyone gets a shot before our season starts, so we can resume a normal schedule and a normal life.
“And be ready for summer because we have special summer events planned for Windsor around basketball. Look for us this summer, we'll be out and about, because we have to work hard to get our fans back in the groove of sports.”