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Rumors are swirling that pro basketball could be coming to 91原创

91原创 Events Centre reportedly in the running for new home of Abbotsford鈥檚 Fraser Valley Bandits
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Brandon Gilbeck of the Abbotsford-based Fraser Valley Bandits was named the Canadian Elite Basketball League鈥檚 Defensive Player of the Year on Aug. 18. Rumours are swirling about a possible relocation of the pro team to 91原创. (Black Press Media file)

Is pro basketball coming to 91原创?

With news that the Fraser Valley Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) could be displaced from the Abbotsford Centre by the American Hockey League (AHL) Canucks pro hockey franchise, there is been speculation the team could relocate to the 91原创 Events Centre (LEC).

What is known, is the Bandits haven鈥檛 secured a deal to return to the Abbotsford Centre in 2022.

Usually, a deal would be in place by this time of the year, but Bandits vice-president Dylan Kular has said that the transition of the Abbotsford Centre鈥檚 management team from Spectra to Canucks Sports and Entertainment has led to delays in reaching an agreement.

READ ALSO: Fraser Valley Bandits big man Brandon Gilbeck named Defensive Player of the Year

Kular said the Bandits and Spectra have done one-year deals every year since the team arrived in 2019, but the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) was hoping to secure longer tenancy agreements with venues in the league鈥檚 stronger markets this year.

鈥淭his year was going to be the year that we were going to look into a longer deal with the city of Abbotsford and Spectra,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut the delay has been because of the transition from Spectra to the Canucks. So we will still have our meetings and hopefully we can come to a point where we can still be in Abbotsford, but like any good business we have to evaluate our other options and make the best decision for everyone involved. We will see what happens.鈥

Sources have told Black Press Media that the Bandits may end up in 91原创, but 91原创 Events Centre communications manager Gary Ahuja was unable to confirm it at this time.

鈥淸LEC is] always talking to interested groups about bringing more sports and events to LEC, but nothing to report in regards to the Bandits at this time,鈥 Ahuja said in response to a 91原创 Advance Times query.

LEC currently currently hosts Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League, 91原创-based Trinity Western University Athletics Basketball and Volleyball, 91原创 Thunder of the Western Lacrosse Association as well as the junior Thunder teams and the B.C.C High School Basketball Championships.

LEC鈥檚 main arena seats 5,276 for sports and is also the home of the Basketball BC office.

READ ALSO: Fraser Valley Bandits bringing three-on-three basketball tournament to 91原创 Events Centre

Bandits and Basketball BC are partnering to hold the Summer Slam youth basketball tournament next month, and also participated in a Rotary Lottery 50/50 Mega Draw in 91原创 earlier this month.

With files from Ben Lypka, Black Press Media


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Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I鈥檓 the guy you鈥檒l often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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