Halifax Rainmen replacement franchise still possible, says NBLC commissioner

The Halifax Rainmen may have filed for bankruptcy, but the commissioner of the National Basketball League of Canada says work is underway to get another franchise back in place for Halifax.

David Magley, the league's commissioner, says negotiations are already underway with business leaders looking to take over the franchise.

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"These guys that we're talking to just want to do what's right for the community and they're trying to get enough people in so that it's not too much exposure to any one person," Magley said Tuesday.

"I think they've got the who's who of Halifax businessmen, so I think there's a lot of confidence that this can be done and this can be done well."

In April, the Rainmen season came to a screeching halt when the players and coach turned their back on team owner Andre Levingston. After a rough series and a brawl at a competitor's practice facility, the Rainmen refused to play game seven of the league final, which they lost by forfeit.

The team incurred almost $100,000 in fines and bans, spread across coaches and players.

Halifax Rainmen fans are eager for an alternative.

"I just want to see it work," said Kevin Springer, a Rainmen fan and minor basketball coach. "I know a lot of other people, too, who would really like to see them come back. I think we need to support it more."

Even if the team comes back, there's no guarantee they'll play at the Scotiabank Centre in downtown Halifax.

One venue where there could be games next season is Sydney's Centre 200. Levingston's son Tyrone is trying to get a franchise in place in Cape Breton.

Magley says Sydney could be a good fit for the league and there is still a lot of work to be done by the Halifax business group before a Halifax team can be a part of the National Basketball League of Canada's next season.