Edmonton Stingers still planning for upcoming CEBL season despite COVID-19 crisis

The Canadian Elite Basketball League is very hopeful that its second season will be able to go ahead, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

For starters, the league has a bit of leeway because the regular season doesn’t open until May, which falls outside the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to halt gatherings of 50 or more people for eight weeks.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: How long can Canadians expect to be social distancing?

Logistically, the league is 70 per cent Canadian in terms of players, which means teams can easily get players to their respective markets.

“We only have three — generally — Americans, playing for us,” said Brett Fraser, president of the Edmonton Stingers. “So that’s a bit helpful.”

The sales team is pretty low key at the moment, but so far it seems the pandemic hasn’t scared off potential sponsors.

“We’ve actually still been selling some tickets, so there is still some confidence in the market.”

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Another challenge the Canadian development league will face is the potential of going up against the NBA and NHL as both leagues hope to continue their seasons through the summer.

“Our first season, which was obviously very positive, we went right up against the Raptors’ championship run,” Fraser said. “We’ve seen the biggest of the obstacles… and we learned from that.”

The Stingers, who play out of the Edmonton Expo Centre, are due to open the season on May 8 against Hamilton.

READ MORE: Edmonton Stingers battle Saskatchewan Rattlers in Canadian Elite Basketball League semi-final

Watch below: Some Global News videos about the Edmonton Stingers.

3:46 Getting to know Edmonton Stinger president Brett Fraser

• Getting to know Edmonton Stinger president Brett Fraser
• Edmonton Stingers prepare for CEBL championship weekend
• Edmonton Stingers create a buzz during first season in CEBL
• Edmonton Stingers Adika Peter-McNeilly on inaugural season success
• Edmonton Stingers help out at McCauley Boys and Girls Club
• A closer look at the Edmonton Stingers’ Jordan Baker
• Edmonton Stingers prepare to take on Niagara River Lions
• Edmonton Stingers ready to make noise in the Canadian Elite Basketball League
• Tickets on sale next week for Edmonton’s newest basketball club

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