Brampton, ON – The Brampton Honey Badgers are ushering in a new era of leadership with the announcement of Leonard Asper as the franchise’s new owner. The official announcement will take place tomorrow at Save Max Sports Centre in Brampton, marking a significant milestone for the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team.
Asper, a seasoned media executive and entrepreneur, is the President, CEO, and majority shareholder of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., a global media company known for producing and distributing sports and entertainment content across multiple platforms. Anthem’s influence spans traditional cable, digital streaming, and social media, with a vast library of over 11,000 hours of sports and movie content.
A well-respected figure in the media industry, Asper previously served as CEO of CanWest Global Communications, leading the company’s expansion across Canada and into international markets before its sale to Shaw Media in 2010. In addition to his media ventures, he has extensive experience in private equity, commercial real estate, and investments in various business sectors.
Beyond the boardroom, Asper is a lifelong sports enthusiast with a rich athletic background. A former high school and university athlete, he played competitive tennis, hockey, and football, even captaining the Brandeis University hockey team. His passion for sports has continued into adulthood, where he has competed in national and international events, including the Canadian Waterski Championships and the Maccabi Games hockey tournament.
His interest in basketball grew through Anthem’s ownership connections with figures like Mark Cuban and AEG, as well as the company’s Game+ broadcasting of the CEBL. Recognizing the league’s strong foundation and Brampton’s dynamic sports culture, Asper saw an opportunity to invest in a thriving basketball franchise.
“The Honey Badgers represent an exciting future for Canadian basketball,” said Asper in a statement. “With the CEBL’s growth, the talent in this country, and Brampton’s vibrant community, I’m thrilled to take this journey with the team.”
Under Asper’s leadership, the Honey Badgers are expected to strengthen their presence in the CEBL, leveraging his business acumen and media expertise to elevate the franchise. His commitment to athlete welfare is evident through his philanthropic work, including support for the Canadian Olympic Foundation, Tennis Canada, and the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
Asper’s acquisition of the Honey Badgers signals a promising future for the team and the city of Brampton, further solidifying the region’s growing sports landscape. Fans can look forward to the franchise’s next chapter under its new ownership, with aspirations to make a significant impact both on and off the court.
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