Sudbury Five Basketball Season Officially Cancelled By NBL Canada

An announcement from the National Basketball League of Canada today officially marks the end of a 2019-20 season for the Sudbury Five.

NBL Canada’s board of directors voted unanimously to cancel the remainder of the season in order to “help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.”

“We’re extremely disappointed at not being able to get back on the court and play our 10th season as planned,” NBL of Canada deputy commissioner Audley Stephenson said in a release. “However, the safety of our fans, players and everyone associated with our game is paramount.”

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The league had hoped to resume play on March 12 in order to finish off the remainder of the 2019-20 season that was cut short due to Covid-19 but, unfortunately, that won’t happen.

Following NBL Canada’s announcement, the Sudbury Five followed up with a release expressing their disappointment with the situation, as well as hopes for the future of basketball in the Nickel City.

“Clearly the Covid-19 pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on businesses worldwide, and in particular, it has been catastrophic on the Sports and Entertainment world,” Bob Johnston, Vice-President of Basketball Operations for the Five, said in a statement.

Statement from the Sudbury Five Regarding NBLC’s Announcement.

Bob Johnson, Vice President of Basketball Operations, “I am both disappointed and saddened with this reality. I believe the entire Sudbury Five community will share in my disappointment.”https://t.co/EgKIlJXwjz

— The Sudbury Five (@TheSudburyFive) March 5, 2021

“While it is not surprising that the NBLC has decided to cancel the 2020-21 season, I am both disappointed and saddened with this reality. I believe the entire Sudbury Five community will share in my disappointment.”

The Five said that their free time will be used to prepare for the 2020-21 season and to remain involved in the community.