The National Basketball League of Canada has appointed John Kennedy as its first commissioner. Kennedy has an extensive background in professional sports as a business-development manager, strategic planner, event marketer and scout. As commissioner, he will act as NBL Canada's governing body and raise awareness by building strong business/community relationships in all seven league markets and across the country.

“I'm excited and honored by the faith shown by the ownership group in my abilities to positively impact NBL Canada as a viable sports and entertainment organization,” said Kennedy.

From Windsor, Ontario, Kennedy joins NBL Canada after founding J. Kennedy and Associates, a sports-entertainment marketing company based in Los Angeles, nearly 12 years ago. His past clients include the Los Angeles Lakers, Horse-­Racing Television and the Asian and European PGA Tours.

The first NBL Canada regular season began on October 29. The league has seven teams, the Halifax Rainmen, London Lightning, Moncton Miracles, Oshawa Power, Quebec Kebs, Saint John Mill Rats and Summerside Storm.

Bailey Williams
Public relations, National Basketball League of Canada, Toronto

(November 28, 2011)



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