Introducing the Fraser Valley Bandits

The Bandits will take the floor starting in May 2019 at the Abbotsford Centre.
July 17, 2018

Abbotsford, B.C. - Professional basketball is returning to the Lower Mainland! After weeks of build-up, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) has announced its sixth and final franchise for the inaugural season beginning in 2019 - the Fraser Valley Bandits.

The Bandits were announced at a press conference, in their future home, the Abbotsford Centre, in front of media, Mayor Henry Braun, CEBL executives and local basketball community members. The team logo is a Red Fox wearing a bandit mask, and team’s primary colours are orange, blue and white.

President and Chief Operating Officer, Western Operations Lee Genier said:

“It’s incredibly exciting to bring something back, basketball, to a community that is so passionate about it. That’s why we’re here. One of our mandates is to have local talent on the team. Whether that be from Vancouver or the Fraser Valley. There is nothing better than building a community around their local players.”

While the Bandits won’t officially take the floor until May 2019, they will spend the next year integrating themselves into the Fraser Valley community and building a strong network of fans that will occupy the 7,000+ seat Abbotsford Centre during their 20 game season.

Played from May - August, the CEBL promises to bring a high caliber, exciting brand basketball, surpassed only by the Toronto Raptors, to a province deprived of professional basketball. The Bandits will play 10 home games, and 10 away games against the other five teams of the CEBL, the Niagara River Lions, Hamilton Honey Badger, Guelph Nighthawks, Edmonton Stingers, and Saskatchewan Rattlers.

Look for more exciting news regarding coaching staff and players to be announced in the near future. Watch the full press conference and unveil here.

For More Information on the Fraser Valley Bandits:

Canadian Elite Basketball League visit: www.thebandits.ca