Canadian basketball history to be made under Montreal’s night sky
Posted March 24, 2025 12:18 pm.
Last Updated March 24, 2025 4:52 pm.
Canadian basketball history will soon be made under Montreal’s night sky.
The “Éclipse: Match Sous les Étoiles” event, part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Summer Classic, is set to see the Montréal Alliance host the Ottawa BlackJacks at the IGA Stadium on May 23 at 8 p.m. — marking the nation’s first 5×5 outdoor pro basketball game.
“Our league and our teams continue to deliver unique, innovative experiences for basketball fans across the country,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the CEBL. “The first Canadian 5×5 outdoor pro basketball game in Montréal this summer will perfectly exemplify this commitment.”
“IGA Stadium is a world-class facility and the ideal venue to host this historic game,” he added. “Where Montréal and Ottawa will ignite their rivalry under the stars.”
The CEBL Summer Classic is the latest innovation by the league that in its six seasons has been known to deliver world class pro basketball in unique ways.
The CEBL became the first pro league in the world to adopt the target score ending for all games, the first pro league in Canada to play with FIBA rules, and features numerous elements that make CEBL basketball especially appealing to fans and elite players from around the world.
The concept of playing games outdoors has been under consideration by the league since it launched in 2019, and Montréal’s new ownership group of Joel Anthony, Léo Bouisson, and Ian-Philip Paul-Hus embraced the concept and committed to bringing it to life.
“When we launched the Alliance, our goal was to bring something unique to Montreal,” said Joel Anthony, Co-Owner and General Manager of the team. “This game under the stars embodies that—an experience that goes beyond sport, writing our team into the history of Canadian basketball.”
“We are proud to break conventions,” he added. “And offer fans an evening that pays tribute to this incredible city.”
The Alliance has played at Verdun Auditorium since the team launched in 2022.
The seventh season of the CEBL tips off May 11 when the Calgary Surge travel to Edmonton to take on the Stingers in the Battle of Alberta.
A total of 127 regular season games fill the 2025 campaign, leading to playoffs that begin Aug. 14.
