The Port City Power basketball team has made a return to Saint John, sparking questions about its longevity this time around. This revival follows the previous disbandment of the team before the 2025 season, with a reemergence under a new format.
David Magley, President of The Basketball League (TBL), explained in an interview with Information Morning Saint John that the prior iteration of the team ceased operations due to challenges in facilities and the business model. With the TBL currently comprising 40 teams and entering its eighth season, Port City Power is gearing up to commence games next month.
Magley expressed optimism about Saint John as a strong market for basketball, citing past teams’ presence in the city. Reflecting on the struggles faced by previous teams like the Riptide and the Mill Rats, he attributed financial sustainability issues to the high costs associated with venue rentals.
The team is adopting a fresh strategy this time around, drawing inspiration from Moncton’s successful model. Instead of utilizing the costly downtown Avenir Centre, Moncton’s team has found success at the smaller Crandall University venue, seating 600 and consistently selling out games. The plan is to transition to larger venues like the Avenir Centre once a solid fan base is established.
Similarly, the Saint John Power will opt for the UNB Saint John campus over the traditional TD Station for their games. Magley highlighted the substantial costs of converting venues for ice-based sports like hockey, emphasizing the financial advantages of playing in smaller basketball-centric venues.
Strategically, basketball games can thrive in smaller settings compared to the demands of larger hockey games, requiring around 3,000 fans per game to be financially viable. Magley expressed confidence in the profitability of the team with an average attendance of 400 to 500 fans, presenting a sustainable business model.
Despite the venue shift, Magley stressed that success hinges on more than just location. Initially, the team will be league-owned to kickstart operations before transitioning to private ownership. The aim is to establish a strong presence in Saint John with national sponsorships and a league-branded uniform.
Dustin Caissie, the team market owner for the Tri-City Tide in the Greater Moncton Area, echoed the sentiment that the return of professional basketball to the region bodes well for the sport’s growth.
