Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban buys ownership stake in CEBL's Brampton Honey Badgers

Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban is investing in Canadian men's pro basketball.

The American billionaire entrepreneur has purchased an ownership stake in the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Brampton Honey Badgers, the team announced Thursday.

“Canadian basketball is probably the most underappreciated in the world,” Cuban stated in a news release. “The talent here is through the roof and getting better by the day.

“The CEBL offers all of Canada the chance to see that amazing talent on display. I’m excited to be part of this team.”

Cuban played an active role while a majority owner of the team, which led to a 2011 NBA title. He was credited for his willingness to spend to acquire top talent, fostering team chemistry and building a family-like atmosphere.

In Brampton, Cuban is reunited with longtime Mavericks executive and now Badgers CEO, Al Whitley. Their relationship spans 25 years.

“This is a historic and landmark day for our franchise,” Whitley said. “Mark’s business acumen, championship pedigree and philanthropic endeavours make this relationship one that Brampton Honey Badgers wholeheartedly cherish and are grateful for.”

Beyond his NBA success, Cuban is recognized from his 13 years with the Emmy Award-winning television show Shark Tank as one of five investors who listened to presentations and pitches of investment from small companies.

In 2022, Cuban co-founded Dallas-based Cost Plus Drugs, a public benefit corporation focused on providing pharmaceutical drugs to the public at a lower cost.

Leonard Asper, a Canadian businessperson, entrepreneur and lawyer, is also part-owner of the Badgers who was introduced to Whitley by Cuban.

“No one brings more basketball knowledge and winning culture