Deacon Sports and Entertainment says it is surprised to learn that the capital city and St. John’s Sports and Entertainment have announced a tentative deal to bring a new professional basketball team to Mile One Centre this fall.

The city announced today that a tentative deal has been reached with 2001 Investments Limited to bring a new American Basketball Association team to St. John’s for the 2021-2022 season.

SJSEL says it was unable to come to terms with the St. John’s Edge on a new lease arrangement for Mile One—meaning the Edge will not be returning.

Lease negotiations are underway and the parties are working to finalize the terms as soon as possible.

Deacon Sports and Entertainment in conjunction with the St. John’s Edge recently submitted a proposal to St. John’s Sports and Entertainment that saw Deacon Sports and Entertainment assume the franchise rights to the Edge which would have allowed the basketball club to continue to play in the National Basketball League of Canada.

The proposal, according to the company, settled the parties’ outstanding matters including a resolution to debts owing on the recently installed 360 LED Board in Mile One.