Due to COVID-19 developments, the CEBL has announced that if play were to return, they would commit to the single site tournament in Ontario and back away from any other contingency plan. This news coming after an April statement into the delay of the regular season.

The proposed idea of a multi-week tournament, would see all seven clubs convene in a single location in Ontario to play a round-robin slate of games culminating in a single-elimination playoff that will determine the 2020 league champion. Niagra area officials are being asked about the availability of the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines for the tournament, and all plans must conform to the phased-in re-opening measures taken by the province throughout the coming weeks.

“We have been working closely with public health and government officials in developing numerous contingency plans, knowing that ultimately any actions we may take will be dictated by protocols they create to ensure the safety of players, coaches, venue staff, and league officials,” said CEBL Commissioner Mike Morreale. “I would like to acknowledge the work of the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Lisa MacLeod, and her staff, as well as the City of St. Catharines with whom we have had positive discussions around potentially being the host site of a tournament. We are optimistic that our league will be a leader in returning pro sports to playing in Canada.”

The season was supposed to begin May 7th, and Edmonton was supposed to host the 2020 Championship Weekend in August, but the revised event would take place at the end of July, into August.

“We appreciate the support of Edmonton Events, a strategic partnership between the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Tourism, and the Edmonton EXPO Centre and share their disappointment in the lost opportunity to hold Championship Weekend in Edmonton this year,” Morreale added. “We look forward to future hosting opportunities in Alberta’s capital in front of our incredible fans.”

The Rattlers won the 2019 event, and are looking forward to their 2020 season.

Now that the fate of season is decided, teams are contacting ticket buyers to discuss their options for the future. According to the CEBL, fans can hold their tickets on account for the 2021 season and receive rewards for doing so, or facilitate a refund on their investment.

The only officially licensed professional basketball league in Canada has 7 organizations, and endured a successful campaign last year. The leagues championship weekend idea was a breath of fresh air, and a single site tournament is just another gimmick that could work for this early established league. Aside from Saskatchewan, the league has franchises in Edmonton, Fraser Valley (Abbotsford), Guelph, Hamilton, Niagara (St. Catharines), and Ottawa.