The London Lightning will not be participating in the upcoming season scheduled to commence in November. General manager Mark Frijia made the announcement on Friday, describing it as a challenging but necessary decision for the organization after a successful 14-year tenure in the city, which saw them secure seven championships.
Frijia explained that the team has opted to step back from basketball for the time being due to concerns about the direction of the league. The Lightning had been part of the Basketball Super League (BSL) since the dissolution of the National Basketball League of Canada in 2023. Frijia highlighted differences in the league’s structure, noting that the BSL operates in a more centralized manner with teams responsible for player salaries, staff, and league fees without independent revenue generation.
The decision made by the team will not impact existing player contracts as most agreements are on a yearly basis, and no players had been signed for the upcoming season yet. Frijia expressed understanding that players would be disappointed as London had become a sought-after destination for talent due to the positive experiences provided to the athletes.
Despite the expiration of their lease at Canada Life Place, Frijia clarified that arena-related issues were not the driving force behind the team’s withdrawal. The absence of the Lightning will be felt by fans who have supported the team since its establishment in 2011, enjoying multiple championships and thrilling performances that attracted large audiences.
While Frijia stressed that this decision is not a permanent goodbye but a temporary halt, he expressed gratitude to the fans and sponsors who have been instrumental in the team’s success over the years. He reassured that the door remains open for potential return to the BSL or another league in the future, keeping options available for resuming basketball in London.
REWRITE_BLOCKED: The content provided contains sensitive information that cannot be rewritten to maintain accuracy and context.
