NEED TO KNOW

Eastern Canadian Basketball League

– A Maritime-based professional basketball league.

– Truro Tide, Saint John Union, Summerside Slam and Valley Vipers.

– The Vipers were announced Nov. 17. They will play at the Kings Mutual Century Centre in Berwick.

League president Tim Kendrick said it had hoped to have at least four teams for its initial season in 2022 but noted more could be added. It has contracts out with seven more communities. The number of teams will determine the size of the schedule.

– The league will own all the teams. Kendrick said they looked at different structures around the world before choosing this one. “It’s unique, but it’s also very stable,” he said. The owners of the league have not been released.

– Teams will have 11 players on their rosters, with five being Canadians. Of the five, two will be from the Maritimes or have played in the Atlantic University Sport or Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association conferences.

The league is hoping to work out an arrangement where a 12th player could be added to the roster.

They would be current university or college players who are playing in the local area.

They would be able to practice with the pro team and dress for home games, but not travel for road contests.

They would not be paid as that would impact their university/college eligibility but would receive a scholarship for their education.