Wednesday, April 08, 2015

2015-16 Season to Return to 40-Game Format, Start on Boxing Day

While National Basketball League of Canada officials announced a new Niagara-based franchise on Wednesday, owners and management also mentioned a few changes to NBLC's format next season.

Niagara part-owner Richard Petko said the 40-game-long 2015-16 season will start on Boxing Day.

A 40-game schedule would be up from the 32-games NBLC teams played in 2014-15 (the league had a 40-game schedule in 2012-13 and 2013-14). The League has started all four of their regular seasons in November, and ended them all in February.

Petko also mentioned a five-to-six week playoff during the question portion of the press conference.

Considering a 40-game regular season could be completed in four months (as it was in 2012-13 and 2013-14), along with another month-and-a-half of playoffs, the 2015-16 season could run from late December to May.

London Lightning Vito Frija, who was the first speaker at the press conference, said the league was in talks with two communities for possible franchise locations.

Petko says Niagara Basketball will buy the team's court (which will cost around $70k-$100k).

Bowl seats will supposedly cost $15-$16, while courtside seats will go anywhere from $40-$60.

To watch the press conference, check out the player.