The Hamilton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday it has entered into a multi-faceted agreement with Ontario Basketball (OBA), who will become an official partner in basketball development. Following the CEBL partnership with Canada Basketball launched in December, this new collaboration between the Honey Badgers and OBA is a natural fit.

The Honey Badgers regular season finale on August 14 will be themed OBA Night at FirstOntario Centre. The event will feature a special on-court tribute to the current Team Ontario squads in addition to honouring provincial team alumni.

“Several players in the Honey Badgers organization and throughout the entire CEBL have come through the Ontario Basketball system,” said team president John Lashway. “This new partnership will provide fundraising opportunities and continued development for Ontario Basketball and its member clubs, while creating increased excitement at Honey Badgers home games.”

Additionally, a season-long ticket drive will provide all Ontario Basketball member clubs with a special opportunity to raise funds for their organization while enjoying professional basketball in Hamilton. The provincial sport organization will also be given special access to Honey Badgers venues, coach and player appearances, as well as marketing and promotional opportunities.

“The Honey Badgers represent an exciting step in the basketball pathway for our athletes and coaches,” said Jason Jansson, executive director, Ontario Basketball. “We look forward to working together on growing the sport in the province, providing more opportunities for our members and supporting the growth and development of the Honey Badgers brand and the CEBL.”

The CEBL, the official professional league partner of Canada Basketball, opens its inaugural season May 9 with franchises in Fraser Valley (Abbotsford), Edmonton, Guelph, Hamilton, Saskatchewan (Saskatoon), and Niagara (St. Catharines). CEBL teams will play a 20-game regular season from May 9 to August 15, culminating with a league championship playoff at a site to be announced.

Hamilton’s historic first game is scheduled for Sunday, May 12 when Edmonton visits the Honey Badgers at FirstOntario Centre. Honey Badgers season tickets are available by contacting tickets@honeybadgers.ca while individual tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca.

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