Mayoral candidate says Montreal could be an NBA city
Posted August 27, 2021 1:59 pm.
Last Updated August 27, 2021 2:13 pm.
MONTREAL – Montreal mayoral candidate Balarama Holness says Montreal is the perfect destination for a new NBA team.
“There has been a rise in violence in the city and we’ve all seen it. But that’s all correlated with poverty, low sports infrastructure and low green spaces,” Balarama Holness said.
“So, this is also saying that, yes, we want to shine on the international stage but also let’s give attention to our young people and let’s start investigating in our young people.”
Even though there has been no word on a formal application, or word from the league, Holness says Montreal could be an NBA city.
The sport of basketball has been surging popularity in Canada since the Toronto Raptors won the 2019 championship and the success of Quebec-born NBA players like Chris Boucher, Luguentz Dort, and Khem Birch have helped build the NBA’s profile in Montreal.
Holness, a former football player and Grey Cup champion himself, intends to attract investors, businesses, and community leaders to make Montreal a serious candidate for a National Basketball Association franchise — a major step he says in helping to shape the city’s sports scene.
“This is going to bring back the new dynamic energy and innovation to the city. And I often say that is the reflection of our party. New party, new blood, new energy, new ideas and that’s something we want to push to the forefront to let all Montrealers know we can and should have an NBA team.”
Some Montrealers say they’re ready to welcome a basketball team.
“I grew up playing basketball and there wasn’t much support. Community support,” one person said.
“We have the talent so it’s about time we get a team. I’m a Raptors fan but as soon as Montreal gets a team, I promise I’m putting my Raptors stuff in a pile and burn it. Actually I’ll donate it.”
“I think it’s pretty nice because we only have the Montreal Canadiens, but we need more you know more culture around Montreal,” another said.
“I think it’s a good idea because there’s a lot of talented players in Montreal and I think they deserve to get a team there to play,” added another.
NBA comissioner Adam Silver has stated that the league will look to expand in the future, but no timetable is in place.
