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Canadian Elite Basketball League Delays Start of 2020 Season Into June

By Les Lazaruk Apr 15, 2020 | 9:48 AM

The Canadian Elite Basketball League has done the expected, delaying the start of its 2020 season into June because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The C-E-B-L’s second campaign was to start May 7th with seven teams, including the defending champion Saskatchewan Rattlers and the expansion Ottawa Blackjacks. The Rattlers were scheduled to open their season on May 8th in Abbotsford, B-C against Fraser Valley before playing their home opener on May 14th against the Bandits at SaskTel Centre.

The first sign that the season would be delayed was the Tuesday news release from Saskatchewan announcing the signing of Denzell Taylor. At the end of the release, instead of detailing the first two games of the season, it said the Rattlers were set to begin their season this summer.

The C-E-B-L says they have contingencies in place for a new start date and different formats in order to play as many games as possible. Following is the news release and the statement from Commissioner Mike Morreale…

 

CEBL Statement Regarding Start of 2020 Regular Season

Apr 15, 2020
CEBL Commissioner Mike Morreale released the following statement on Wednesday:
“During this time of unprecedented challenge our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak through separation from loved ones, loss of income, illness or death. We are extremely grateful to the courageous health care workers and service providers who assume personal risk in battling the virus while keeping our communities healthy, safe, and functioning at their best.
While basketball and all sports rightfully take a backseat to the realities of daily life, the Canadian Elite Basketball League has been preparing for a delay to the start of the 2020 season into June. With restrictions in place limiting the size of public gatherings and the closure of some team practice and game venues into June, opening the season as scheduled in May is not feasible.
With the health and safety of our fans, players and staff being our highest priority, we will continue to plan contingencies for a new start date and creative formats that will enable us to play as many games as possible this summer. Our business model and staffs are created to be innovative and adaptable, which is especially important in today’s fluid environment. While no one can be certain of what the coming weeks will bring, our teams will continue to sign players and prepare to showcase many of Canada’s best professional players again this summer.
The CEBL is in a unique position to help restore and inspire our local communities when the time comes to once again enjoy the collective experience of a world class sports event. As we look forward to that day, we will remain in constant contact with public health and government officials who are leading us through these trying times.”

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