The President of Deacon Sports and Entertainment says they are looking for a future with the CEBL.

The Canadian Elite Basketball League has suspended operations of its franchise in St. John’s due to the lack of a major spectator facility. The Newfoundland Growlers basketball team played out of the Memorial University Field House last season.

The President of Deacon Sports and Entertainment, Glenn Stanford, says they are “disappointed” with the decision, but they are not currently looking to play in any league other than the CEBL.

He says the league is the one they wish to be associated with, as it is in many major cities all across Canada. They are looking to secure a facility that is up to CEBL standards in the coming months.

He thanked Memorial University, Deacon, and CEBL staff and officials for their hard work hard, but there were challenges with the smaller venue that ultimately could not work.

He says smaller facilities dictate higher ticket prices and limit revenue opportunities like sponsorships and food and beverage sales.

As for building their own facility, Stanford says there is no update on those plans as the organization has been focused on getting operations up and running for the ECHL hockey season.