The off-season is upon the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association.
At least when it comes to on court competition.
The league is in the midst of preparation toward its fifth-year anniversary, unfolding in early May of 2026.
‘There’s plenty of work unfolding and whether teams are making announcements or the league is communicating, we’re always striving to make improvements and continue our upward trend,’ said MWBA commissioner, Jen McKenzie of Dartmouth, NS. ‘We are coming off a great season and want to continue building on that momentum.’
All seven teams anticipate returning including the reigning Legacy Cup champion Miramichi Her-Icanes, Lake City 56ers of Dartmouth/Cole Harbour/Preston, Halifax Hornets, Halifax Thunder, Fredericton Freeze, Port City Fog of Saint John and Moncton Mystics.
‘Most of the teams are busy working on budgets and bringing in new partnerships while continuing to foster existing relationships,’ said McKenzie. ‘Our league has been blessed with phenomenal corporate support with Royale, Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Cushman Wakefield Atlantic. We hope to see those relationships continue.’
McKenzie’s two-year commissioner’s term expires Nov. 1, but she has indicated a desire to return to the role.
The league’s annual general meeting is set for late October.
There is also an expansion deadline of Oct. 17 for teams interested in joining the league.
‘We’d love to see an eighth team join the league, but we also want to make sure it’s for the right reasons and can be a stable organization,’ said McKenzie. ‘We will not run into anything for the sake of expanding.’
There are two mock schedules in production which the league hopes to share to its teams in September, one with seven teams and one with eight.
The AGM will see some constitutional adjustments with an eye on revamping player rosters, player pool potential and the creation of a three-member discipline committee.
‘There have been some outstanding suggestions and research into ensuring each team utilizes its rosters to the fullest and rosters aren’t short,’ said McKenzie. ‘Could the league accept younger players to create even more sustainability. Do rosters expand? We have a rule in place now that all players must play a minimum of six regular season games to be post-season eligible. That will not change as there has to be a commitment on behalf of the player to meet the minimum.’