“Why would I invest if I don’t come watch?”

That’s the message American billionaire Mark Cuban says of his latest sports team investment and buy-in to the Brampton Honey Badgers.

“I love basketball, you know I love basketball anywhere, but now I’m gonna love the Honey Badgers a whole lot more,” the former owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks told CBC Sports following news he has joined the Brampton Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) club as part owner.

Cuban’s stake in the team has not been disclosed, but the Honey Badgers hope his involvement will raise the profile of both the franchise and the league.

And the American billionaire says he will be coming north to Brampton to watch the team in action live at the CAA Centre.

“You know what, Canadian basketball is just blowing up, the honey (are) badgers blowing up, it would be fun to be a part of and go to some of the games,” he said.

Cuban said he’s looking forward to watching the team live, and pointed out guard Jamir Neilson Jr. as one to watch, saying “he’s worth the price of admission.”

Cuban’s is connected to the Honey Badgers friend through majority owner Leonard Asper and CEO Al Whitley, who spent more than two decades working for the Mavericks.

The high-profile investor also pointed to Canada’s growing influence on the global basketball stage as a key reason for joining the team.

Cuban’s part-ownership comes as the Honey Badgers continue efforts to build momentum heading into the new season, including adding Nav Bhatia — widely known as the “Raptors Superfan” — as a community ambassador in an effort to boost local engagement.

The team has also announced Brampton native Matthew Moncrieffe will wear his hometown jersey as a member of the Honey Badgers during the 2026 season.

The Badger’s 2026 CEBL season starts on May 15 versus the Ottawa BlackJacks and May 17 against the Calgary Surge. The Honey Badgers play out of the CAA Centre in Brampton, and are one of the original franchises in the league which runs from May to August.


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