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Vancouver In Good Standing To Host An NBA Franchise

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We all know that Vancouverites love their sports. Vancouver has a hockey team and a soccer team, but no basketball team. Vancouver was home to the Vancouver Grizzlies from 1995 to 2001, but after that moved down to the States. Basketball lovers, however, are hoping that this could change.

With the Toronto Raptors coming to Vancouver a second time since the Grizzlies were relocated for training, an exhibition game at Rogers Arena on October 5th, many excited basketball fans are wondering if a Vancouver based NBA franchise might return to the city.

According to a report released a few days ago from the Conference Board of Canada, Vancouver is actually in quite good standing to host an NBA franchise. Co-authors Glen Hodeson and Mario Lefebvre say in the report that with Vancouver’s changing economic landscape, apparently now is the time for fans to expect change. “With Vancouver’s steady rise in population, high income levels and a strong corporate presence, the NBA could return one day, especially if the Canadian dollar remains strong.” Vancouver’s population is also projected to hit 3.5 million by 2035, and this number could further interest corporations in sponsoring a team here. Also according to the report, Vancouver and Toronto have the right kind of fan base for NBA basketball. The report also says “the major challenge will be to find committed ownership and astute management.”

Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini has said in the past that he might be willing to bring in an NBA team sometime in the future, but at the same time doesn’t want to threaten the success of the Canucks.

With all of this said, it is definitely a possibility that Vancouver could see an NBA basketball team return to the city. An NBA team could be returning to Vancouver soon.

 

Written by: Anna Ward
Image via vancouverbasketball

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