As the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association prepares to crown a champion, its commissioner reflected on an eventful 2026 season.
‘We have watched so much growth in the MWBA and celebrating our fifth year of competition this year has produced change and more stories of success,’ said commissioner Jen Lloyd of Dartmouth, NS. ‘We introduced a new rule change, brought in an expansion team and have watched a new wave of players. We feel we found rhythm this year, but we know there is still plenty of building to continue our growth.’
The PRO•LINE Legacy Cup unfolds this weekend in Fredericton when four teams converge upon the Richard J. Currie Center.
Regular season champion and top-seed Halifax Thunder join No. 2 seed Moncton Mystics, No. 3 Fredericton Freeze and fourth-seed Halifax Hornets.
The league uses a two division format during the regular season with four teams in the Nova Scotia Division and four in the New Brunswick Division.
Once championship weekend arrives, teams are seeded on overall finish during the regular season after surviving a sudden-death provincial semifinal.
‘We didn’t have any upsets this year in the playoffs, so it’s worked out the top four regular season teams are chasing the PRO•LINE Legacy Cup,’ said Lloyd. ‘There are some spicy and intriguing semifinals on Saturday night that has a lot of people excited.’
Opening night will see the Thunder (9-1) lock horns with Halifax rival Hornets (6-4) in the 5 p.m., game.
Thunder went 2-0 against the Hornets during regular season play.
At 7:30 p.m., it’s the Battle of New Brunswick when the Mystics (7-3) face Fredericton (6-4).
The teams split two regular season games, both squads winning on home hardwood.
‘These teams play at a high level and we expect nothing less than watching some truly outstanding basketball,’ said Lloyd. ‘There is so much talent spread across our eight teams and that was highlighted with so much parity this season. We can’t wait for opening night tip.’
The Saturday survivors will clash on Sunday at 2 p.m. Consolation game goes at 11:30 a.m.
The MWBA introduced a couple of tweaks this season that have gone beyond expectation.
Pace of play accelerated with a no touch backcourt rule where players can’t be caught napping if the ball goes out of play. Officials no longer have to touch in the backcourt, meaning opportunistic teams can grab the ball out of bounds and go from defence to offence in a heartbeat.
‘It took a couple of games for players, officials and fans to catch on to this amazing pace of play accelerant and you can literally hear players yelling ‘get it in, get it in,’ and moving the ball up court quickly,’ said Lloyd. ‘It adds another element to our league and that is one we are definitely keeping.’
Another change was the ability for teams to have roster spots for three graduating interscholastic players.
The rule was introduced to allow Grade 12 players the chance to play at a high level.
Most of the teams in the MWBA used at least one graduating senior and Moncton’s Maddie Eustace, bound for Cape Breton University with the Capers in the fall, actually was the league’s top scorer this season.
‘We have watched sheer athleticism and no fear from some of the younger players in our league,’ said Lloyd. ‘To see the confidence and abilities showcased helps our league when it comes to sustainability. Some of those players are going to be much more confident going to the next level. There were some concerns on the rule going into the season, but we’ve also watched our veteran players take younger players under their wings and become mentors. You can ask for a better bridge than that.’
The MWBA also celebrated Jasmine Parent of the Hornets, Emily MacNeil of Lake City 56ers, Amelia Mitchell of Saint John’s Port City Fog and Fredericton’s Eva Tumwine as the only players to suit up all five league seasons.
Tumwine joined Freeze teammate Allie McCarthy into the small circle known as the 400+ Club for players who have scored 400 or more career points.
Expansion Truro Tidal Queens struggled through an 0-10 record this season, but Lloyd said the club never stopped playing.
‘We were certainly excited to welcome Truro with open arms and we knew there would be growing pains, but that team under coach Lonnie States stayed together and worked each game,’ she said. ‘They all know the work for next year starts now. We’re in a good spot.’
There is expansion interest in Cape Breton and some tire-kicking on Prince Edward Island.
‘We could see two more potential teams, but we’re being incredibly cautious because we have to be,’ Lloyd said. ‘We started with six teams and had one relocation from the original Windsor franchise to Lake City before the Miramich HerIcanes joined in 2024 and Truro last year,’ Lloyd said. ‘We want to ensure stability and financial resources, but we know we’re going to listen to expansion interest.’
The league lost two founding partners the past two years when Royale and Medavie went on to other pursuits, but Atlantic Lottery Commission’s PRO•LINE and Cira Nutrition, the league’s official electrolye partner, stepped in and helped immensley.
‘We want to continue finding new financial partners,’ said Lloyd. ‘That is a challenge in so many crowded markets. We appreciate each and every company who has flown its flag for our league. That pursuit will continue.’
The games this weekend will be available on Pay Per View through www.ao.live
Each game is $10 (plus tax) or there is a tournament four-game package for $30 (plus tax) if you’re unable to attend live.
Individual game tickets are unavailable at the RJCC box office, but day passes are $15 for adults for two games or $12 for seniors/students. Four game packages are available for $30 or $25 for seniors and students.
Children under-14 are admitted free to all games.
– Lucy Beaumont and Halifax Hornets meet a familiar semifinal rival Saturday night. (DW Photo)
