Sportswave has been covering the Vancouver Bandits since the inception of the league and most recently we have added Jagraj Lalli to the broadcast team who recently was hired to do the play by play on radio.
His baritone voice not only calls the game but also brings the game to the living rooms of his community on Connect FM radio which by all indication was well received in the community.
In addition Jag is my broadcast partner and has been for the past few years and most recently he was one of the broadcasters for the Ladner Islanders Junior Lacrosse clubs.
With the league and the teams focused on the 2026 CEBL season we are pleased to pass on the info that the leagues first Commissioner and Co-Founder for leadership turned a concept into Canada’s premier professional basketball league.
CEBL Co-Founder Richard Petko mentioned “When Mike Morreale took on this job, this league was just an idea. Mike was determined to see Canada take its rightful place on the basketball stage with a successful professional league here at home, something many thought could not be done.”
He continued “Today, as Mike leaves to take on new challenges after a successful eight years at our helm, the league is firmly established, with 10 teams in six provinces. It features an exciting style of play and innovative rules, and boasts a young, diverse and growing fan base of over 4.1 million. Mike has been, and always will be, our foundational leader.”
Founded in 2017 by Niagara River Lions owner Richard Petko and Morreale, the CEBL has evolved from a single-entity model with six charter members to a strong local ownership presence in markets across the country.
Morreale mentioned “I’ve decided my journey as Commissioner has come to an end, and that my role in this incredible story has served its purpose.”
He continued “I proudly and confidently look forward to the future of this amazing league and the wonderful memories yet to be made. I’ll always be its biggest supporter, its loudest advocate, and a proud founder.”
Morreale thanked the CEBL’s “dedicated owners and tremendous players,” its passionate fans, its “relentless and hardworking staff,” and his “loving and patient” family.
CEBL President Tyler Mazereeuw will oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives formerly managed by the Commissioner, as the Board continues to evolve the league’s leadership structure to support its next phase of growth.
“The CEBL stands poised for its next chapter,” Mazereeuw said. “We have an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation that Mike Morreale and so many devoted and hard-working people across Canada have built.”
– CEBL –
About the CEBL
Created by Canadians for Canadians, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is dedicated to developing Canadian players, coaches, referees, and sports executives.
In 2025, the league featured a record 17 players with NBA game experience, and nearly 70 per cent of its rosters were Canadian — the highest of any professional league in the country.
Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National Team program, NCAA, U SPORTS, and CCAA.
Nearly 40 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and many others attend NBA G League training camps each year.
The season runs from May through August, with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, and Next Level Sports & Entertainment in the U.S.
For more information, visit CEBL.ca or follow @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
Media Contact:
Aaron Gogishvili – Sr. Director, Communications & Community Relations
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