The London Lightning professional basketball team has picked up its ball and left the court – at least for this season.
The Bolts have opted to not play during the 2025-26 season, rather than compete again in the Basketball Super League during its third season.
Lighting GM Mark Frijia explained, “I know (the Super League is) trying (to have a 2025-26 season), but the method they are using to try to complete it, we’re just not comfortable with. We’re not playing this year and for us, there’s basically no league to play in.”
Last season, London finished 14-14 in their conference before losing a sudden-death playoff to the Jamestown Jackals.
The Bolts decided not to join the rival Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) summer league.
In a message to fans and season ticket holders, the Bolts wrote, “We appreciate all the hard work on and off the court and will always be grateful for the community and fan experience that was created here in London.”
The team has not ruled out hitting the hardcourt again in the near future.
