Mike Morreale has stepped down as commissioner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
“I have decided that my journey as commissioner has come to an end and that my role in this incredible story has played a role,” Morreale said in a statement. “I look forward with pride and confidence to the future of this amazing league and the wonderful memories yet to be made. I will always be its biggest supporter, biggest advocate and proud founder.”
Founded in 2017, CEBL has grown to 10 teams across the country and has secured media deals with TSN, Next Level Sports in the US, Fox Sports Australia, TapGo in the Philippines, SingTel in Singapore and Astro in Malaysia. The Niagara River Lions recently returned as league champions.
“When Mike Morreale took the job, this league was just an idea. Mike was determined to see Canada take its rightful place on the basketball scene with a successful professional league here at home, something many thought was impossible,” said Richard Petko, who co-founded the CEBL with Morreale.
“Today, as Mike leaves to take on new challenges after eight successful years leading us, the league is firmly established with 10 teams across six provinces. It features an exciting style of play and innovative rules, and boasts a young, diverse and growing fan base of over 4.1 million. Mike has been and will always be our fundamental leader.”
Morreale spent 12 seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, recording 509 catches for 6,649 yards and 24 touchdowns. In 1998, he was named the league's Most Outstanding Canadian and won two Gray Cups. Following his playing career, he served seven years with the CFL Players Association, including as president.
Tyler Maseriu, president of CEBL, will oversee day-to-day operations previously led by Morreale.
“CEBL is ready for the next chapter,” he Mazereuw. “We have a great opportunity to build on the strong foundation that Mike Morreale and the many dedicated and hard-working people across Canada have built.”
