The National Basketball League of Canada is a Canadian professional men’s basketball league. The NBL Canada was founded in 2011, when three teams formerly of the Premier Basketball League joined with four new franchises to form the NBL’s “Origin Seven”.
The league has changed in size multiple times and has four active teams for the 2022 season, all in Ontario, but historically has had several located in the Atlantic provinces. The league’s season typically begins in November and ends in April of the following years.
How does the league operate and what are its rules
The league follows traditional basketball rules, with some variations specific to the NBL Canada. Goaltending is not called as frequently in the NBL Canada.
Additionally, teams are allowed to have two players designated as “double-rostered”, meaning they can play in both the NBL Canada and another league such as the NBA. This allows players to maintain their skills and stay in game shape during the off-season.
What are the biggest challenges facing the league
The NBL Canada has faced several challenges since its inception. One of the biggest has been ensuring a consistent level of quality play, as teams have come and gone (and changed cities/regions) frequently. Additionally, the league has had to compete with other basketball leagues in Canada, such as the NCAA and professional leagues in Europe for players and fans.
Nonetheless, the NBL Canada has remained a viable option for Canadian basketball players and fans, and continues to grow each year. In 2020, the league announced a multi-year broadcasting deal with TSN, which will help increase its profile and reach. This will undoubtedly be beneficial to the league as it looks to continue growing in the future.
Current teams and players in the NBL Canada
The NBL Canada has four teams for the 2022 season: the London Lightning, Niagara River Lions, Oshawa Power, and Windsor Express. Some of the biggest names in Canadian basketball have played in the NBL Canada, including Cory Joseph (formerly with the Raptors), Jamaal Magloire (formerly with the Hornets and Bucks), and Tristan Thompson (formerly with the Cavaliers).
The league has seen several players move on to play in the NBA, including Dwight Powell (Mavericks), Dillon Brooks (Grizzlies), and Tyler Ennis (Lakers). This is a testament to the quality of basketball played in the NBL Canada and its ability to develop talent.
What is the future of the National Basketball League of Canada
The future of the NBL Canada looks bright. The league has seen steady growth since its inception and has announced several major deals in recent years that will help it continue to grow.
In 2020, the league announced a multi-year broadcasting deal with TSN, which will help increase its profile and reach. This will undoubtedly be beneficial to the league as it looks to continue growing in the future. Additionally, the league has seen an increase in teams and players moving on to play in the NBA, which is a testament to the quality of basketball played in the NBL Canada. All of this points to a bright future for Canadian professional men’s basketball.
nbl canada player salaries
The NBL salary cap is now $180,000 per team: housing is provided and meals are covered. Players earn between $500 and $1,500 per game for the 20-game season.
