(Markham, ON) – As the presenting sponsor of the 2013 NBLC Draft, the GTA Centre is pleased to join the City as it is set to welcome the National Basketball League of Canada to Markham.

NBLC owners, coaches, and executives, along with 50 select players will take part in the live three-round draft on Monday, August 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Markham Hilton Suites & Conference Centre. For the first time, the NBLC Draft will be open to the public free of charge.

“The GTA Centre is thrilled to be a part of bringing the 2013 NBLC Draft to the community of Markham,” said W. Graeme Roustan, Chairman and CEO, GTA Sports & Entertainment. “Basketball is among the fastest-growing sports in Canada and the City of Markham has a huge and growing fan-base. This sponsorship reaffirms the GTA Centre’s commitment to support and provide a destination for a wide variety of high-level sporting events in the City of Markham.”

“We are excited to announce the GTA Centre as the presenting sponsor of the 2013 NBLC Draft,” said Andre Levingston, President and CEO, National Basketball League of Canada “The GTA Centre has been an incredibly supportive partner of the NBLC, we hope to build on this partnership and one day see an NBLC team playing in a new, world-class arena here in Markham.”

Each of the league’s 10 teams will have one selection in each of the three rounds; a total of 30 players will be selected to play in the upcoming NBLC season. The Draft will be broadcast live online on the League's website at NBLCanada.ca

For more information please visit GTACentre.ca.

About GTA Sports & Entertainment

GTA Sports & Entertainment (GTASE) is the general Partner of GTA Centre, LP. Our mission is to deliver a first-class venue to the City of Markham, create memorable sports and entertainment experiences for Ontario residents, and assume a leadership role in building a stronger community.

About the National Basketball League of Canada

The National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) was founded in 2011, and is Canada’s only professional domestic basketball league.  There are currently 10 teams, with two divisions: Central and Atlantic.  The NBLC is committed to being one of the leading professional basketball leagues in the world.  The NBLC provides Canadian athletes, international athletes, coaches and officials the opportunity to participate in the game they love at the professional level.  The NBLC is also dedicated to raising awareness of the sport of basketball throughout Canada, by providing fans with an exciting and entertaining experience.

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Media Contact:
Jesse J. Bernstein
GTA Sports & Entertainment
media@gtase.ca