CEBL, North Pole Hoops enter partnership aimed to elevate Canadian grassroots basketball

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It's a landmark day for grassroots basketball in the country on Friday as the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and North Pole Hoops (NPH) announced a multilayered partnership.

The primary aim of the partnership per the official release is to continue to grow and develop the game across Canada.

The CEBL, which is set to enter its third year in June of 2021, is Canada's only FIBA recognized national professional league. The league is focused on giving Canadians a professional home to play with 80 percent of each team's rosters required to be Canadian. The league has also opened the door for numerous Canadians to pursue a job in basketball off the court through coaching, skills development and front office positions.

NPH, founded in 2011, has long been a staple in the Canadian Basketball community. The initial scouting service and media agency has since evolved into a respected marketing firm and helped create and operate leagues, tournaments and camps providing exposure for homegrown talent from coast-to-coast.

The two organizations will aim to work closely to support Canadian youth talent and create pathways to help Canadians reach their dreams of one day playing professionally.

“I am very excited to partner with the great people at North Pole Hoops in growing our game coast–to–coast," Mike Morreale, Commissioner & CEO of the CEBL said in a release. "Their commitment and passion in discovering, nurturing and growing elite Canadian basketball talent is impressive. 

"I look forward to support and help build the youth talent landscape together and elevate their journeys right up to the pro level here in Canada”.

Tariq Sbiet, CEO of NPH, emphasized that at the core of the partnership was the goal of growing the game in the country.

"Right from the beginning when we first sat down with CEBL leadership, it was all about Canadian basketball, growing the game, connecting the dots...and that’s what both organizations have been doing day in and day out," Sbiet said.

“I really believe this is a special partnership for both short and long term. The CEBL has demonstrated strong leadership through action time and time again, and we are honoured to work together in this meaningful capacity.”

The CEBL's 2021 season is set to start on June 5, 2021. Games can be seen nationally on CBC Sports streaming services with 7 marquee games airing live on CBC television proper.

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