Ontario Basketball Launches the Ontario Basketball League

On May 19, Ontario Basketball (OBA) officially launched its new league – Ontario Basketball League (OBL). The league is part of an overall shift in competition structure and will begin play in the Fall of 2015.

“The formation of the Ontario Basketball League is an extremely positive step for our organization,” said Jason Jansson, executive director, Ontario Basketball. “We are excited to offer a periodized competition environment and look forward to collaborating with our member clubs to make this league a tremendous success for our athletes.”

With the continued growth and participation in basketball it is ever important that OBA ensure it is providing structure and leadership grounded in athlete-centered development and competition. Specifically, there have been many leagues forming across the province outside Ontario Basketball’s governance, which create conflicting programs for our young athletes, resulting in over-competing and under-training during critical developmental years.

The OBL, created and run by Ontario Basketball, will help promote and regulate the development of basketball across the province and support its 180 affiliated member clubs. The OBL has been designed to service all member clubs using Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) guidelines aimed at providing teams with meaningful OBA sanctioned league competition leading up to Ontario Cup Provincial Championships.

The league will be open to both genders at all ages (U10 Novice to U19 Junior) and all levels of play (i.e., A, AA, AAA) and all teams competing in the league will be eligible for the 2016 Ontario Cup. While most games will be held in central locations, the league model will be inclusive of member clubs with geographic barriers and host games in numerous regions across the province.

“This is a great milestone that will contribute to the ongoing growth and popularity of the game of basketball in Ontario and Canada,” said Greg Verner, president, Ontario Basketball. “The advancement of this league will provide the opportunity for our coaches and athletes to continue to develop and elevate their skills.”

The registration fees for OBL will vary depending on the structure and number of games played in each division but will reflect only the needs for the league to operate (e.g., facility costs, game officials and minor officials).

Ontario Basketball members are invited to attend an informational session for the OBL on Saturday, June 13, 2015 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Abilities Centre in Whitby.

To reserve a spot in the Ontario Basketball League for the 2015-16 season, e-mail Tyler Harding.