The CEBLxSpalding TF-1000 Legacy ball, featuring a new design with black panels and a microfiber composite leather cover, will be used for all 26 games of the CEBL Summer Series. With a deep channel design for superior control, the ball is Official NBA size and weight (Size 7). It will feature the official CEBL logo, the signature of league commissioner Mike Morreale, and the league’s Twitter handle, @CEBLeague, embossed in gold foil on the black panels.

 Spalding, the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world, and the CEBL are entering the second year of a three-year partnership agreement that provides each of the league’s seven teams with basketballs for practices and games, as well as non-competition balls for community events. Spalding is the exclusive basketball sold in CEBL and member team stores and retail environments. It will be available for purchase throughout the CEBL Summer Series, which runs July 25 through August 9. A popular feature of all CEBL games is a Spalding-branded autograph table on the court following each game where players sign Spalding-branded autograph cards for fans.

 “Spalding has been integral to basketball for more than a century, yet they’re still an industry leader when it comes to innovation and contemporary design,” said CEBL Commissioner Mike Morreale. “The CEBLxSpalding TF-1000 Legacy reflects the CEBL’s vibrant brand. We’re about presenting world class basketball in a new way, and we will be showcasing that to a national and international viewing audience during the upcoming CEBL Summer Series. As one of our premier partners, Spalding will be at the heart of every highlight and game-winning basket.”

 Spalding developed the first basketball for official use. It has been the official basketball of the National Basketball Association for 34 years and is the official basketball of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Spalding is also the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA. The SPALDING trademark is owned by Russell Brands, LLC. “We pride ourselves on creating basketballs that combine innovative technology, striking design and superior quality,” said Kevin Sookram, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Spalding and Russell Athletic. “We are excited to add this Game Ball to our extensive line of basketballs and thrilled that it will be used by the highly talented athletes of the CEBL.”The CEBL Summer Series, which brings all seven league teams to the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario for 15 days of round robin and playoff competition, begins Saturday, July 25 with a nationally-televised doubleheader on CBC. The Niagara River Lions take on the Hamilton Honey Badgers, led by new head coach Ryan Schmidt, at 1:30 pm. ET (10:30 a.m. PT). The expansion Ottawa BlackJacks, coached by Osvaldo Jeanty, make their league debut against the Guelph Nighthawks at 3:50 p.m. ET (12:50 p.m. PT). In addition to that pairing, CBC Sports will also telecast a doubleheader the following Saturday, August 1, as well as the Series semifinals and championship final August 8 and 9. 

While staying in St. Catharines the teams will be separated from the general public, and strict screening and COVID-19 protocols will be adhered to under the supervision of medical officials. Extensive health and safety measures will be maintained for the participants, including social distancing and other specialized practices designed to limit interactions amongst participants.

A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 80 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players come from the NBA G-League, top international leagues, the Canadian National Team program, and top NCAA programs as well as from U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August with each team playing 20 games. More information about the league is available at www.cebl.ca

John Lashway

Executive Vice President, Strategy & Communications

jlashway@cebl.ca

Kevin Sookram

Senior Sales & Marketing Manager, Spalding and Russell Athletic

Kevin.Sookram@fotlinc.com