Former CEBL players and broadcaster make transition into coaching

July 24, 2023
Dillon White

Junior Cadougan and Jordan Baker go from players to coaches; Rob Lovelace makes the move from the broadcast booth

Late last June, the Newfoundland Growlers found themselves in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.


The new CEBL franchise was winless in its inaugural season and 32-year-old point guard Junior Cadougan was feeling the effects of a long career. 


Newfoundland signed Cadougan at the outset of the season as a veteran presence to stabilize its backcourt. The Marquette alumnus was also a familiar face for hoop heads in the country’s easternmost province. 


Alongside hometown hero Carl English and former NBA big man Glen “Big Baby” Davis, Cadougan ran point for an exciting St. John’s Edge squad in the NBL of Canada from 2018-2020. In 2019, he was named the league’s Most Improved Player and helped the Edge to a finals appearance. 


However, the Growlers franchise was off to a tougher start in their inaugural season. 


Newfoundland came close to securing its first win in a matchup with the (then) Fraser Valley Bandits at Langley Events Centre but lost a tight 94-92 contest to lose their eighth straight. Cadougan played just under nine minutes in the loss to his former team and scored two points. 


Nine years after going undrafted to the NBA, the Toronto native saw the end of his playing career fast approaching. 


“No matter what I did, I just felt like my body wasn’t recovering the same,” Cadougan said. 


The Growlers had one game of rest before travelling east to close out their five-game road trip with matchups against Saskatchewan and Edmonton. 


While Cadougan rested up and prepared for Newfoundland’s visit to SaskTel Centre, Rattlers’ colour commentator Rob Lovelace was preparing in his own way. 


The former University of Saskatchewan player, coach and broadcaster said the biggest challenge of being in the broadcast booth was taking himself out of the intensity of the game to describe what he’s seeing on the floor in a clear and efficient manner.


He was on the mic as Cadougan and the Growlers lost by 19 points to the Rattlers to give them their ninth straight game.


Ahead of Newfoundland was one of their toughest matchups yet: a meeting with the two-time defending CEBL champion Edmonton Stingers, led by former Canadian Player of the Year Jordan Baker.


The Stingers proved too much for the Growlers and handed them a CEBL-record 51-point loss to close out their road trip. It was a low point for the Growlers, dropping to 0-10 on the season. 


Baker balled out and nearly secured a triple-double with 11 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and two steals. Cadougan played just under 10 minutes against Edmonton and didn’t score. 


The Growlers would finally secure the first win in franchise history in their return to St. John’s. To close out the 2022 season, they won six of their final 10 games, including the last game of Cadougan’s CEBL playing career.


“You could push it forward but when it's your time, it's your time,” Cadougan said. “I just felt like it was time to start my new career at a young age and evolve and grow from there.”


In the 2022 CEBL Playoffs, Lovelace would call Saskatchewan’s win over Edmonton that ended a two-year run as champs and also proved to be Baker’s final game in a Stingers’ uniform. 


One year later, Baker, Lovelace and Cadougan have all transitioned from their previous roles to stroll the sidelines as coaches in the CEBL. Cadougan joined the Vancouver Bandits’ staff as an assistant coach and Lovelace made the move from the booth to join the Rattlers’ staff. 


Meanwhile, Baker was named Jermaine Small’s successor as the Stingers’ head coach after playing with the team since year one. 


Niagara assistant coach Joel Friesen and Edmonton assistant coach Denzel James also have experience playing in the CEBL before grabbing the clipboard. 




A coach on the floor


During his time on the court with the Stingers, Baker was adding a new meaning to the term, “coach on the floor”.


The Edmonton native got his start as a coach while he was still playing professionally. The former standout at the University of Alberta joined his alma mater as the lead assistant coach for four years before taking the helm of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) men’s program in the CCAA. 


Some NAIT players attended Stingers games to watch their coach play. Baker says it added pressure to lead by example. 


“If you're expecting [players] to uphold certain values and play a certain way, it sort of makes you have to do those things as a player as well when you step on the court,” he said. 


Coaching made Baker more disciplined as a player and forced him to pay more attention to details he didn’t previously consider.


“I think it made me a better player – just being able to understand what it's like looking from the lens of a coach,”  he said. 


In his final season with the Stingers, Baker was still near the top of his game. The 2020 Canadian Player of the Year in the CEBL averaged 11.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals in 19 games last summer. 


While pacing the sideline this season, he still gets the urge to change from a suit and tie to a Stingers uniform. 


“Of course [I get the itch to play], but I think I overestimate my abilities at times,” he said. 


Baker plans to remain retired for the time being. The current Stingers roster features several of Baker’s former teammates, who were supportive of his transition from player to bench boss. 


He says his biggest strength as a coach is understanding the professional athlete experience. 


“For me being not very far removed from that lifestyle … I feel like my strength is being able to relate to the players and understanding what they need at certain times of the season — whether it's less practices, more practices, better communication [or understanding] what they're going through in such a compressed, shortened season in the middle of the summer,” he said. 


A serious back injury while playing at the University of Alberta is what led Baker to coach. While out of the lineup, he still wanted to find ways to contribute. 


“I found that being able to sort of be an extension of the coaching staff from the sidelines while dealing with the injury was rewarding in itself,” Baker said. “I realized I'm not gonna be able to play the game forever. So being able to still be a part of the team and be part of winning culture was important to me.”



“Obsessed” with the game 


A serious injury in college also changed the trajectory of Cadougan’s career. 


In his first practice with Marquette, the freshman guard tore his right Achilles.


“We're running sprints and my coach says ‘Ready, set, go.’ I took a step, the Achilles blew and I thought that someone hit me with a basketball,” Cadougan said. 


He was faced with the difficult decision to redshirt or attempt to come back. He chose not to redshirt, but the first month of the injury was rough. He says friends, family, and prayer helped support him through that time. 


“They kept me strong mentally to fight through that and it made me a stronger person in life right now in general,” he said.


After three and a half months, Cadougan returned from injury. 


“I knew that my NBA chances were slim –  I wasn't looked at the same [after that],” Cadougan said. “But going through that injury and getting back in three and a half months – that built me to excel as a basketball player and win at Marquette.” 


His career in the NCAA featured a trip to the Elite Eight and back-to-back Big East championships as the Golden Eagles’ starting point guard. Cadougan was also a frequent fixture on the Canadian national team throughout his career. 


After college, Cadougan played overseas in Georgia, Italy and Greece before returning to Canada to suit up for the London Lightning. He won a championship in London under current Bandits’ head coach and general manager Kyle Julius before signing with St. John’s. 


Coming off an injury, Cadougan credits the CEBL with reviving his career. He joined the Bandits ahead of the bubble in 2020 and made the final four. 


“Because of the exposure that the CEBL was given, I was able to rejuvenate and revive my career to get to where I am now, even as a coach,” Cadougan said.


As an assistant under Julius with the Bandits this season, Cadougan says it’s been strange changing his mindset from a player to a coach. 


However, his ability to connect with players and provide honest feedback sets him up well for a future on the sideline. 


“With my experiences, playing for a long time from youth all the way up now retiring as a basketball player – it’s just the love of the game.  I'm obsessed with it,” Cadougan said. “I may [have] left as a player, but I just want to extend it as a coach … because I feel like I owe that to the people who supported me throughout my journey and the next generation coming up.”



Giving back to the game


Supporting up-and-coming players is what drew Lovelace to coaching as well. 


As a player with the Saskatchewan Huskies, he says the team was always “voluntold” that they had to run some of the camps and clinics. 


“You just had a blast, right? You're giving back to the game, showing what you know and sharing that with these young up-and-comers,” Lovelace said. 


He finished his fifth season with the Huskies in the program’s top 20 for career points and the top 10 for minutes played.  Under Rattlers’ general manager Barry Rawlyk, Lovelace served as an assistant coach with the Huskies for two seasons starting in 2011. 


He also got his start in broadcasting at the university level with Saskatchewan’s men’s and women’s basketball teams alongside Simon Hiatt – his eventual partner on Rattlers’ broadcasts. He says playing, broadcasting and coaching all require different ways of thinking about the game. 


“When I was broadcasting and watching the game, I [would] find myself sometimes … so focused on the game, thinking about what's going on and what's happening with the movements. Then I look to my side and I see Simon's carrying the conversation,” Lovelace said.  “I’m so in the moment where I forget I gotta be analyzing and throwing in my points about what I'm thinking as well.”


The Saskatoon product has been a part of the Rattlers and CEBL Broadcast Team for the past two seasons alongside Hiatt, Heather Morrison, and Ryan Flaherty.  He is also the current president of Basketball Saskatchewan. 


He says no players or coaches have taken issue with anything he said on a broadcast – at least not to his face. Lovelace likes to joke with the team about providing analysis in past seasons. 


“I was on the sideline before talking smack about you guys. Now I gotta say it in front of you in person,” Lovelace says he tells some players. 


He says there are some similarities between coaching and providing colour commentary. He still scouts “keys to the game” and important matchups as a coach. 


Covering the league as a broadcaster also helped him gain a familiarity with the league, its players and its coaches, he says. 


“I do miss the broadcast because I had a good relationship with the team there,” Lovelace said. “But basketball is my love –  I loved playing it and I love interacting with the guys and the coaches and then being able to scheme and think about gameplay and in-game prep – I like the coaching side just a little bit more.” 


Lovelace’s Rattlers are eyeing a late push for a postseason berth, while Baker’s Stingers close out the season on the road in hopes of getting their third title.


Meanwhile, Cadougan and the Bandits host CEBL Championship Weekend at Langley Events Centre from August 11-13. 


“I’m just taking one thing at a time and trying to get this championship this season and see how it goes,” Cadougan said. 

Biskup’s Historic Win: Leading the River Lions while Breaking Barriers in Canadian Men’s Pro Sports

By Myles Dichter • September 18, 2025
Michelle Biskup paced nervously along the sidelines of Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre. As Niagara’s Khalil Ahmad stepped to the free-throw line with the 2025 CEBL championship in his fingertips, Biskup couldn’t help but battle flashbacks from one year earlier, when Ahmad missed a shot to win it all. Some things were different: the locale, for one. The River Lions’ path to the Final (one much more fraught this time around), for two. And, of course, Biskup’s title, now president of the franchise. One thing, though, did not change. No matter what happened, Biskup could not control what happened on the court. At least not at this point. “I've gone through the highs, I've gone through the lows, but I just stay even keel until I know it's over,” said Biskup, who has now been with the River Lions for 10 years. Ahmad, of course, went on to make those free throws, clinching the River Lions’ second consecutive championship and matching the Edmonton Stingers as the only teams to win multiple titles, let alone go back-to-back. With the trophy, Biskup became the first female president to win a Canadian men’s professional sports title. Detroit Red Wings president Marguerite Norris (1954, 1955) and Los Angeles Lakers boss Jeanie Buss (2020) have also accomplished the feat in the U.S. “Michelle has been a CEBL all-star since day one and has shown incredible commitment, leadership, and perseverance throughout her career with the River Lions,” said CEBL commissioner and co-founder Mike Morreale. “To watch her help guide the team to back-to-back championships while also breaking new ground as the first female president to do so in Canadian men’s pro sports is nothing short of remarkable. She’s a trailblazer in every sense and has earned this tremendous recognition.” “It's a milestone to have my name stamped on history while also showing other young females in sports who are dreaming of having a career in sports that it's attainable,” Biskup said. “It's not something that can't be done because now they can see someone who's done it.” Biskup, the 35-year-old from Burlington, Ont., was a Day 1 staffer of the River Lions 10 years ago when she held the title of operations coordinator. The job only came about through a coincidental meeting with the River Lions owners, when Biskup pitched herself on a whim and suddenly found herself moving from her first job out of school in the entertainment department at Fallsview Casino to a professional basketball organization. Steadily since, she’s risen the ranks until being promoted to president in September. And in her first season atop the organization, she lifted it atop the CEBL. “We really put 12 months into it: into something that we can't control the outcome of as front-office staff. So to have that full-circle moment from last year where, yes, I was involved, I was still a very big part of it as VP, but then for everything that I put into this past year, building a new culture in our office, hiring new staff, making some big changes. It really was like, ‘OK, this made it all worthwhile,’” she said. “There's no greater feeling than winning at the end of the day. There's a reason why everyone wants to win. That's the best, ultimate feeling.” Biskup said the team is almost unrecognizable from when she first started a decade ago — especially when she looks at the Meridian Centre crowd and the River Lions fan base. But even more has changed since she took over as president. Biskup hired team captain Kimbal Mackenzie as community and brand ambassador in a CEBL first — an idea that was born late last off-season and one she hopes will truly take flight now. Meanwhile, she signed head coach Victor Raso to a three-year contract lining up with a three-year Meridian Centre lease, locking in two key aspects of the team. “Knowing that Vic's going to be here every year, or at least for the next three, we can depend on that, that we're going to have that returning group that helps us be successful on the court,” said Biskup, who credited the coach for maintaining season-to-season continuity in a league where that’s rare. “It helps us be successful off the court too, right? It's great for our sales staff to be able to call people and say, we're back-to-back champions or we have their favourite players returning. So that consistency is really big.” Raso has worked next to Biskup for the past eight years. “I've seen her go from doing absolutely everything to doing absolutely everything as the president,” he said. The coach described Biskup as “incredibly hard-working,” saying she’s created a culture of “doers” while keeping the atmosphere light and fun with plenty of laughs. He added that he’s always coordinated closely with Biskup, with whom he enjoys a strong two-way relationship of trust. “Michelle and I always talked about what we were doing on a day-to-day basis, but never from the perspective of she's my manager. So for her and I, it was a cool experience this year. She's always let me do my thing with the basketball and trusted me with decisions and budgets and everything,” he said. To Raso, Biskup is the “lifeblood” of the River Lions. “She can run a professional sport organization like with her eyes closed now. And I don't think people really understand how much actually goes into that,” he said. Now, Biskup’s next task is one that’s never been done before: win three straight championships. After last season’s motto was ‘Run It Back,’ Biskup said conversations are already underway about next year’s slogan, with the word dynasty being thrown around. “That's definitely the goal for us to make that next stamp on history is being the first team to do a three-peat,” she said. It’s a topic with which Biskup is now quite familiar. - CEBL -

Baker Named President of Edmonton Stingers

September 18, 2025
Stingers Entertainment Group LP (SEG), owner of the Edmonton Stingers and co-owner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, announced Thursday that Jordan Baker has assumed the role of President of the organization. Baker will continue to be Head Coach and General Manager of the Stingers. He has also become a part owner of SEG. “I am both excited and humbled to become the leader of not just our team but our whole business,” said Baker. “Edmonton has been such a huge part of my life and to be able to advance my basketball and business career right here at home means the world to me. Our fan support has grown tremendously over the past three seasons and I am determined to continue to widen our impact across the city in the years to come.” Baker has been front and center with the Stingers from day one. First, as a standout forward on the floor from 2019-2022. His accolades as a player include two CEBL Championships and the 2020 CEBL Canadian Player of the Year award. He retired in 2022 as the franchise all-time leader in total points and rebounds, the latter a title which he still holds. Baker took on the role of Head Coach in 2023 and added the General Manager title in 2024. Following the 2024 season, Baker was promoted to full-time Head Coach and General Manager and took on the role of Vice President of Basketball Operations and Community Engagement - where he launched the Stingers flagship community program the Basketball Bridge presented by Sterling Homes. “It is not unusual for individuals who have been star athletes to become great coaches and general managers”, said James Burns, Managing Partner of SEG LP. “But to also rise to head the entire business operations as well as basketball is almost unheard of. Jordan is a uniquely talented basketball expert and business executive and we are very fortunate he has chosen to sign on with the Stingers for the long term”. Jordan Baker has been at the apex of basketball in Edmonton since a young age, playing for the Harry Ainlay Titans and later the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he remains the all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, and steals across 98 games played. He received his Master of Coaching from the U of A, and later spent four years as an assistant coach, accumulating a 78-21 record. This fall, Baker was inducted into the University of Alberta Sports Wall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. Hailing from a prevalent basketball family deeply rooted in the Edmonton community, Baker is the son of Doug and Trix Baker. Doug was a Golden Bear from 1974-1977, where he was a three-time team MVP and Canada West All-Star. He retired with five program records, including scoring average and single season scoring average. Trix was also a standout player at the U of A, being named an All-Canadian with the Pandas in 3 seasons. After her standout playing career, she would head coach multiple CCAA and CIS programs, including U of A. Both Trix and Doug are also members of the U of A Sports Wall of Fame. Baker will begin his role as President immediately as the team prepares for their eighth season tipping off in spring 2026. During the Stingers offseason, Baker and the Stingers will remain an active force in the community with their Basketball Bridge program, offering accessible, youth-focused basketball programming year-round. ### About the Edmonton Stingers The Edmonton Stingers play a 24-game season from May to September in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets across the country. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.

Sea Bears Veteran Campbell Retires, Joins Winnipeg Coaching Staff

September 18, 2025
CEBL all-time leader in games played and minutes played closes chapter on playing career

Jones Bouk Joins CEBL as Head of People & Culture

September 18, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Susan Jones Bouk to the Canadian Elite Basketball League as Head of People & Culture. Susan brings over 30 years of experience across industries including sports, technology, financial services, consumer packaged goods, and retail. Most recently, she served as Chief People Officer & Head of Office Operations at the CFL, where she led strategies to attract, develop, engage, and retain top talent in support of the league’s growth. She has held senior roles with organizations such as Pillsbury International, Winners – TJX, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and 3Macs – Raymond James, and has consulted for clients including Manulife Financial, Merrill Lynch, and Molson. Susan brings deep expertise in talent acquisition, leadership development, organization design, employee relations, and compensation management, and is known for her practical, business-first approach to people and culture. Welcome to the CEBL team, Susan!

L'Alliance de Montréal annonce un changement de leadership

September 16, 2025
Suite à l'échéance du contrat de Jo-Annie Charbonneau à la fin de la saison 2025, l'Alliance de Montréal annonce qu'elle quittera l'organisation à la fin septembre pour poursuivre de nouvelles opportunités dans le domaine du sport. Jo-Annie a contribué de manière significative au développement de l'Alliance, notamment lors de l'organisation du premier match professionnel de basketball 5x5 en plein air de l'histoire canadienne et durant la transition vers la nouvelle propriété. L'organisation remercie Jo-Annie pour son dévouement et lui souhaite le meilleur dans ses projets futurs. L'Alliance procédera à des changements dans sa structure de direction. Les détails seront communiqués prochainement. Nous demeurons engagés envers nos partisans, nos partenaires et la communauté montréalaise alors que nous continuons à bâtir une organisation de basketball professionnel de premier plan. ###

Montréal Alliance Announces Leadership Change

September 16, 2025
Following the conclusion of Jo-Annie Charbonneau's contract at the end of the 2025 season, the Montréal Alliance announces that she will leave the organization at the end of September to pursue new opportunities in the sports industry. Jo-Annie contributed significantly to the Alliance's development, notably organizing Canada's first-ever professional 5x5 outdoor basketball game and leading through the ownership transition. The organization thanks Jo-Annie for her dedication and wishes her the best in her future endeavors. The Alliance will proceed with changes to its leadership structure. Details will be communicated shortly. We remain committed to our fans, partners, and the Montréal community as we continue building a premier professional basketball organization. ###

Goswami Joins CEBL as Coordinator, Commercial Strategy

September 12, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Krish Goswami to the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Krish joins as Coordinator, Commercial Strategy, bringing experience from some of Canada’s leading sports and entertainment organizations, including Wasserman, MLSE, XMC, and most recently, the City of Brampton. He has worked across experiential activations, partnership development, and sponsorship consulting, and is passionate about building strong, meaningful relationships in the sports industry. Welcome to the CEBL team, Krish!

Winnipeg Sea Bears Announce Leadership Transition

September 11, 2025
The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today that Jason Smith will be transitioning out of his role as President over the coming months. Smith helped establish the franchise and led the Sea Bears through its first three seasons. When Smith was first engaged to guide the due diligence process, finalize the franchise deal, and bring the Sea Bears to life, he committed to dedicating himself fully to the team for its crucial early years. With that three-year commitment coming to an end this fall, Smith will step back from day-to-day duties in order to rebalance his professional life, including devoting more time to his company, Smith Events, while maintaining a strong connection to the Sea Bears. Under a new agreement, Smith will remain with the organization in a consulting capacity, focusing on a variety of strategic projects and continuing to provide guidance and expertise as the team enters its next phase of growth. Team Owner and Chairman David Asper will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer as the Sea Bears restructure. “We’re all very fortunate that three years ago Jason agreed to set aside a very successful business and stable personal life and commit all his energy to launching the Sea Bears, which we knew would be all-encompassing and chaotic”, said David Asper. “He’s a co-founder of the team, always will be, and I look forward to continuing our relationship with big goals yet to achieve.” “It has been an honour to serve as President of the Sea Bears and to help create something so special for the city and province,” said Smith. “I look forward to supporting David and the team through this transition and into the next chapter, while also returning focus to Smith Events and other projects that allow me to contribute in new ways.” This transition sets the stage for the next phase of the Sea Bears’ growth, as the team continues to strengthen its place in the local and national professional sports landscape. ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears: 
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are a professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), proudly representing Winnipeg and Manitoba on the national stage. Since their debut, the Sea Bears have become a community leader, delivering top-tier basketball and fan experiences while contributing to the growth of the sport across Canada.

Diamond Sports Canada Inc. finalise l’acquisition des BlackJacks d’Ottawa

September 4, 2025
Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), la plus grande ligue professionnelle de sport au Canada, ont annoncé aujourd’hui que le club a été acquis par Diamond Sports Canada Inc., une filiale de Global Sports Fund Management Group. Le groupe est détenu par Bandeli (Lee) Hagipantelis et Justin Pascoe, qui occupe également le poste de directeur général. Pascoe cumule plus de 20 ans d’expérience en gestion exécutive dans l’administration du sport de haut niveau. Il est titulaire d’un MBA de la Melbourne Business School et a également suivi des études complémentaires à l’Université Harvard. Tout au long de sa carrière, il a constamment contribué à rehausser le profil d’organisations dans les secteurs du sport, des produits de consommation, de l’automobile et de l’industrie. En Australie, Pascoe a occupé des postes de direction dans plusieurs disciplines sportives majeures et apporte une perspective internationale grâce à son travail dans le capital-investissement et l’industrie du sport en Amérique du Nord et en Europe. En plus de son rôle au sein de Global Sports Fund Management Group, il est également propriétaire des Newcastle Jets, un club de soccer australien évoluant dans l’A-League. Basé à Newcastle, en Nouvelle-Galles du Sud, le club se prépare actuellement pour la finale de l’Australia Cup. « Je me sens extrêmement privilégié d’avoir l’opportunité de contribuer à la construction d’une franchise dont toute la communauté pourra être fière », a déclaré Pascoe. « Ce processus a duré près de huit mois, et au fil du temps, il m’est devenu évident que la LECB et les BlackJacks d’Ottawa représentent un géant endormi dans le paysage sportif canadien. » Pascoe a ajouté : « Notre objectif est de créer une franchise de basketball qui favorise un engagement authentique de la part de tous les intervenants — les partisans, la communauté, les instances gouvernementales et les partenaires corporatifs. Nous croyons que notre expérience opérationnelle à l’échelle mondiale peut venir appuyer le travail acharné et le talent du personnel en place, et contribuer à faire passer l’organisation à un niveau supérieur. Cela dépasse les BlackJacks. Il s’agit de collaborer avec Mike et la LECB pour accroître la notoriété de la ligue, offrir des expériences inoubliables aux partisans et bâtir une ligue durable et florissante, animée par une volonté de croissance — avec pour ambition de positionner le basketball canadien comme une force sur la scène mondiale. » Diamond Sports Canada Inc. prend la relève de Canadian Basketball Ventures LP, qui dirigeait l’équipe depuis sa création en 2020. Il s’agit du premier groupe entièrement financé par des capitaux privés à détenir une participation dans les BlackJacks, ainsi que des premiers propriétaires internationaux de l’histoire de la LECB, leur siège étant situé en Nouvelle-Galles du Sud, en Australie. « Justin Pascoe et le groupe Diamond Sports Canada Inc. apportent une perspective internationale précieuse ainsi qu’une grande expertise et une sophistication remarquables dans le domaine des affaires sportives aux BlackJacks d’Ottawa », a déclaré Mike Morreale, commissaire et cofondateur de la Ligue canadienne élite de basketball (LECB). « Leur acquisition renforce à la fois l’équipe et la ligue, alors que nous continuons à bâtir un modèle durable pour le basketball professionnel au Canada. L’engagement du groupe envers l’innovation, l’implication communautaire et la croissance à long terme s’aligne parfaitement avec la vision de la LECB quant à ce que nos équipes représentent. Nous apprécions sincèrement l’élargissement de notre table de propriétaires au-delà des frontières canadiennes. » La transition des opérations de l’équipe commencera immédiatement, alors que la septième saison de basketball des BlackJacks d’Ottawa débutera en mai 2026 à l’Aréna de la Place TD . ### À propos des BlackJacks d'Ottawa Première franchise d'expansion de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), les BlackJacks d'Ottawa présentent le meilleur du basket-ball et du divertissement dans la capitale nationale. Le bureau de direction d'Ottawa apporte à la franchise son expérience de la NBA, de la NBA G League, de l'équipe nationale, de la NCAA et des grandes ligues professionnelles internationales. Dirigée par le directeur général James Derouin et l'entraîneur-chef Dave DeAveiro, l'équipe d'Ottawa joue ses matchs à domicile dans l'aréna de classe mondiale de la Place TD, dans le parc Lansdowne. Pour plus d'informations, visitez le site theblackjacks.ca .

Diamond Sports Canada Inc. Finalizes Acquisition of the Ottawa BlackJacks

September 4, 2025
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s largest professional sports league, announced today that the club has been acquired by Diamond Sports Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Global Sports Fund Management Group. The group is owned by Bandeli (Lee) Hagipantelis and Justin Pascoe, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer. Pascoe brings more than 20 years of executive experience in elite-level sports administration. He holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School and has completed additional studies at Harvard University. Throughout his career, he has consistently elevated the profile of organizations across the sports, consumer products, automotive, and industrial sectors. In Australia, Pascoe has held senior leadership positions across multiple major sports, and he brings a global perspective through his work in private equity and the sports industry across North America and Europe. In addition to his role with Global Sports Fund Management Group, he also currently serves as Owner of the Newcastle Jets, an Australian soccer club competing in the A-League. Based in Newcastle, New South Wales, the club is currently preparing for the Final of the Australia Cup. "I feel incredibly privileged to be afforded the opportunity to help build a franchise that the entire community can be proud of,” said Pascoe. “This process has been nearly eight months in the making, and throughout that time, it’s become clear to me that the CEBL and the Ottawa BlackJacks represent a sleeping giant in the Canadian sports landscape.” Added Pascoe, “Our focus is on creating a basketball franchise that fosters authentic engagement across all stakeholders — fans, community members, government, and corporate partners alike. We believe that by bringing our global operating experience to the table, we can complement the hard-working and talented staff here and help elevate the organization to new heights. This goes beyond just the BlackJacks. It’s about collaborating with Mike and the CEBL to drive league-wide awareness, deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, and create a sustainable, thriving league that embraces a growth mindset — one that aims to position Canadian basketball as a force on the global stage." Diamond Sports Canada Inc. takes over ownership of the club from Canadian Basketball Ventures LP who had stewarded the team since their inception in 2020. They will serve as the first privately funded group with an ownership stake in the BlackJacks and the first international owners in CEBL history with their base of operations being located in New South Wales, Australia. “Justin Pascoe and the Diamond Sports Canada Inc. group bring valuable international perspective and a wealth of sports business experience and sophistication to the Ottawa BlackJacks,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner & Co-Founder of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. “Their ownership strengthens both the team and the league as we continue building a sustainable model for professional basketball in Canada. The group’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and long-term growth perfectly aligns with the CEBL’s vision for what our teams represent, and we truly value the extension of our ownership table beyond Canada.” Transition of team operations will begin immediately, with the seventh season of Ottawa BlackJacks basketball set to kick off in May 2026 at The Arena at TD Place . ### About the Ottawa BlackJacks The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager James Derouin and Head Coach Dave DeAveiro, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca .