More than 5,000 people are expected at the Videotron Center for the LECB duel on Saturday, which could herald the eventual arrival of a Quebec franchise at this Canadian basketball circuit.
For the first time in the young history of the league, which began five years ago, the top 20 players from the east and west of the Canadian Elite Basketball League will meet at 2 p.m.
Beyond the game itself and the result, this event will test the pulse of Quebec City fans when it comes to starting a team.
In June, Quebecor and the LECB announced that talks are ongoing and all indications are that Quebecor could become the circuit’s 11th market starting in the 2024 or 2025 season. However, the die is not yet cast.
“How will the people and the atmosphere in the stands react? We want to check that. If all goes well, we will continue the talks. The ideal is to open a franchise as soon as possible, but we must also conduct a market study. It’s Quebec’s fans who will decide if they want this product,” said Martin Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer of Quebecor Sports and Entertainment.
5000 people per game
Commissioner Mike Morreale and Quebecor Sports and Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Martin Tremblay remain in talks to bring an LECB team to Quebec. Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
While the latter says it’s not a magic number, he affirms that it takes an average of about 5,000 amateurs per game to ensure the viability of a team at the Videotron Center.
The LECB schedule features 20 games including 10 local games taking place from May to August. A team’s operating budget would be around two million.
“Can we accommodate 5000 people for 10 local games? That is the question we ask ourselves. We will take the time to do things well and the answers will come from the fans. The goal of this weekend’s duel is precisely to be able to answer those questions,” said Mr. Tremblay, who believed Quebec would benefit from the support of a professional basketball team.
“It’s a young, growing sport. And it’s more than just sport, it’s an event. If you come to basketball, you also come to listen to a style of music and have fun with your gang. You last the whole game, it’s festive. It’s a great level of play and I think the people of Quebec will appreciate it.”
A serious league
It wouldn’t be the first time Quebec has tried pro basketball. From 2006 to 2012, the Kebs enjoyed some success before being forced to retire.
Never knowing how to find a credible circle, the team moved from the ABA to the PBL and then NBL Canada. It is precisely the current quality of the LECB that makes Martin Tremblay and Quebecor believe that the adventure is possible.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen such a well-structured league in Canada. I look at the solidity of the owners. Is capital in the league? Is it successful in other cities? These are things that we study, but for the first time in Canada we see that there is a serious league,” said the man who is also President of Gestev.
On the league side, commissioner Mike Morreale is hoping that the matter will be resolved as soon as possible. The calendar is usually unveiled in October or November.
“We’re very happy with the response from the public (for Saturday’s duel), especially given that Quebec doesn’t have a team and many don’t know what the LECB is. I know enthusiasts will come back when they see the caliber. Martin and I need to keep talking and this event will speak for itself,” he said.
Prospectively a great rivalry for the players from Quebec
Alain Louis from the Alliance de Montréal will be one of the representatives of the East at the Duel de la LECB. Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Four Quebec players will be in action as part of Saturday’s LECB clash, and even staying in the present moment, they are already allowing themselves to dream of a future Montreal-Quebec rivalry on the basketball scene.
Three Quebecers from the Alliance de Montréal, namely Alain Louis, Nathan Cayo and Elijah Ifejeh, will cross swords with their compatriot from the Calgary Surge, Jordy Tshimanga.
They are far from the only ones who have chosen the path of the Canadian professional scene. In five seasons, no fewer than 30 Quebec players have played in the LECB, including 12 in the season that just ended.
For them, the emergence of a natural geographic rivalry in their sport would only increase interest.
“The rivalry would be great. The people of Quebec and Montreal have their pride. “The duel would be great and it would be a good show,” said Alain Louis before attending practice for the Eastern team, of which Charles Dubé-Brais is general manager.
“In sport it is always good to have rivalries. It adds excitement to these games. If there can be a team in Quebec, I think we will have a great rivalry,” added Nathan Cayo.
A top notch
Nathan Cayo says he is blown away by the level of play in the LECB. Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Cayo is also a player who found success in the NCAA, notably competing in March Madness. It was natural for him to take the leap into the LECB.
“It’s a growing league and I’m someone who values development a lot. The league is attracting more and more attention worldwide. There are several players in Europe who have asked me for information. It’s nice to see that in Canada.
“There are just as many pro players starting their careers as there are others who have played for several years in the NBA or in the top leagues in the world. “It’s a great show every night and it’s very competitive,” he said.
When speaking to the players, it’s easy to understand that they proudly represent the league’s product and that they want the public to fall in love with Quebec.
“It’s important to come and show the fans our love for basketball. We hope we can seduce Quebec,” smiled Jordy Tshimanga.