Media entrepreneur takes over ownership of baketball’s Brampton Honey Badgers

A long-time television executive is the new owner of the Brampton Honey Badgers basketball team.

Leonard Asper, the president of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., has purchased the team that competes in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and operates out of the CAA Centre.

Anthem has stakes in the Fight Network and TNA Wrestling and Asper was once the chief operating officer of Canwest, the media company founded by his father, the late Iggy Asper, who launched Global TV and the Southam Newspaper Group.

The league previously operated the Honey Badgers and was actively seeking an owner.

“The Honey Badgers represent an exciting future for Canadian basketball,” said Asper in a statement. “With the CEBL’s growth, the talent in this country, and Brampton’s vibrant community, I’m thrilled to take this journey with the team.”

David Asper, older brother of Leonard, is the owner and chairman of the CEBL’s Winnipeg Sea Bears.

“Leonard Asper is a terrific addition to the CEBL and we are fortunate to add another high-profile team owner with strong business acumen and commitment to the community,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner & Co-Founder of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. “The league continues to grow into a premium destination for players, fans, sponsors, and owners who share the vision of Canadian basketball and the desire to grow the game right here in our own backyard. I look forward to working with Leonard and our other ownership groups to amplify the CEBL from coast-to-coast.”

The Honey Badgers have been operating out of Brampton since 2022, having moved from Hamilton.

Brampton’s 2025 campaign opens on the road May 18 against the Montreal Alliance, followed by a visit to the nation’s capital May 21 to take on the Ottawa BlackJacks. The Honey Badgers will return home to host the Scarborough Shooting Stars on May 25 in the club’s home opener.