Ownership group now in place for pro basketball in Cape Breton

The man who came to Cape Breton to establish a franchise in the National Basketball League of Canada has pulled together a working group to make that dream come true.

Tyrone Levingston, from Detroit, Mich., moved to Sydney, N.S., a year ago to concentrate solely on raising enough money to cover operating costs for his team the Cape Breton Highlanders for its first two seasons in the NBL.

On Monday, Levingston announced the club's ownership group. It includes:prominent local businessmen Martin Chernin, Parker Rudderham, Jim Kehoe andSean Burke;lawyer Jim Gogan;Membertou First Nation; and many others.

Influential leaders

"We have some of the most influential business and community leaders on board," said Levingston."I have a ton of praise for Marty Chernin and Parker Rudderham.I owe everything to those two guys who gave me a start in this community."

Levingston plans to raise a total of $1 million through further sponsorships and ticket sales to ensure financial security over two seasons.

He adds that he'll be depending on a legion of volunteers to augment the work done by a small group in the team's front office, at least in the club's early growing stage.

No coach announcement yet

As for a head coach, Levingston is holding off on that until the next big announcement.

"We can't force-feed you guys [the media]all at one time," he laughed.

Tickets will go on sale on Oct.1, he said.Training camp will begin the second week of December.

Hoping for Halifax

The Highlanders first game at Centre 200 in Sydney is on Dec.26 but since the league has not announced its schedule yet, the opponent is unknown at this point.

Levingston is crossing his fingers it will be Halifax.

"I would love for it to be Halifax to starting building on that rivalry especially since they are defending league champions.I think that will spark a ton of interest both here and in Halifax."