Mark Cuban Invests in Canadian Basketball League's Brampton Honey Badgers

Key facts

• Mark Cuban has purchased an ownership stake in the Brampton Honey Badgers.
• The Honey Badgers compete in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
• Cuban previously held majority ownership of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
• Leonard Asper, owner of Anthem Sports and Entertainment, is the Honey Badgers' majority owner.
• Al Whitley, former Mavericks executive, serves as the Honey Badgers' CEO.
• The Honey Badgers will open their 2026 season on May 15 at home.
• The team moved to Brampton in 2023 after originating in Hamilton.

Cuban Acquires Stake in CEBL Franchise

Entrepreneur and former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban has officially joined the ownership group of the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Brampton Honey Badgers. The announcement, made on a Thursday morning, signifies a significant new investment in Canadian professional basketball. Cuban, who sold his majority stake in the NBA's Mavericks in 2023 but retains a minority interest, is now a part-owner of the CEBL team. This move brings a prominent figure from the global basketball scene into a developing league focused on Canadian talent. The exact size of Cuban's ownership stake and the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed by the team.

Long-Standing Connections Fuel the Deal

The partnership is built on existing relationships within the sports and business world. Cuban has long-standing ties with Leonard Asper, the majority owner of the Honey Badgers and head of Anthem Sports and Entertainment. He also shares a history with Al Whitley, the Honey Badgers' current CEO and a former executive with the Dallas Mavericks. Whitley, who has known Cuban for 25 years, stated that the billionaire is a significant admirer of Canadian basketball and the Greater Toronto Area. This familiarity and shared history were key factors in facilitating the deal, according to the Honey Badgers' CEO. Cuban's involvement is seen as a strategic move, leveraging his extensive experience in basketball ownership and his enthusiasm for the sport's growth in Canada.

Cuban's Vision for Canadian Basketball

In a statement, Cuban expressed his belief that Canadian basketball is among the most "underappreciated in the world." He highlighted the exceptional and rapidly improving talent pool across the country. "The CEBL offers all of Canada the chance to see that amazing talent on display in exciting games that are fun and affordable for the entire family," Cuban stated. He conveyed his eagerness to contribute to the Brampton fanbase and replicate the engaging atmosphere he helped cultivate with the Dallas Mavericks in the Toronto area. Cuban plans to visit his new team this summer, with aspirations to attend games and connect with the community.

The Honey Badgers' League and History

The Brampton Honey Badgers are a professional and developmental team within the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The league comprises 10 teams, all based within Canada, serving as a crucial platform for Canadian basketball talent. The Honey Badgers themselves have a history within the league, having been founded in Hamilton as one of the "original six" CEBL franchises. The team relocated to Brampton in 2023, establishing its presence in the city. Their home games are played at the CCA Centre in Brampton. The team is actively working to deepen its community connections, aiming for success both on and off the court.

Upcoming Season and Community Focus

The Honey Badgers are set to commence their 2026 season on Friday, May 15. Their opening game will be a home fixture against the Ottawa BlackJacks, marking the beginning of a new campaign. CEO Al Whitley emphasized the team's commitment to community engagement. "We want to be champions on and off the court and that takes impactful connections in the community," he remarked, underscoring the organization's broader goals beyond athletic performance. Cuban's investment is expected to amplify the team's profile and potentially attract further attention to the CEBL as a significant developmental league.

The bottom line

• Mark Cuban has invested in the Brampton Honey Badgers, a team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
• The deal highlights existing relationships between Cuban, team owner Leonard Asper, and CEO Al Whitley.
• Cuban views Canadian basketball as undervalued and aims to boost the sport's profile and fan engagement.
• The Honey Badgers are a 10-team Canadian professional and developmental league.
• The team relocated to Brampton in 2023 and begins its 2026 season on May 15.
• Financial details of Cuban's ownership stake have not been publicly released.