The Brampton Honey Badgers have added one of the most recognizable figures in professional basketball and entrepreneurship to their ownership group. According to an announcement from the Canadian Elite Basketball League franchise, billionaire businessman Mark Cuban has officially joined the Brampton based team as an investor.
Cuban is widely known for his years as the majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, helping transform the franchise into one of the NBA’s most prominent organizations. During his tenure, the Mavericks captured the 2011 NBA championship. Cuban sold his majority stake in the team in 2023 but reportedly retained an ownership interest of approximately 27 per cent.
The partnership brings Cuban into a growing Canadian basketball market through his relationships with Honey Badgers owner Leonard Asper and team CEO Al Whitley. Asper said Cuban had already supported the organization behind the scenes, including by connecting the franchise with Whitley, a former Mavericks executive.
Asper said the team is honoured to formally welcome Cuban into the ownership group, pointing to his knowledge of basketball and his experience building a winning culture. The Honey Badgers are expected to benefit from Cuban’s expertise in fan engagement, business development and professional sports operations as the franchise works to strengthen its presence in Brampton and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Cuban said Canadian basketball remains underappreciated despite the growing level of talent across the country. He praised the CEBL for providing families with an affordable and entertaining way to watch high level basketball and said he hopes to help expand the Honey Badgers fanbase while bringing some of the excitement associated with Mavericks games to the Toronto region.
Beyond basketball, Cuban has built a public profile through business, television and philanthropy. He appeared as an investor on Shark Tank for 13 years and has been involved in numerous technology and media ventures. In 2022, he co founded Cost Plus Drugs, a public benefit corporation focused on offering prescription medications at more affordable prices.
Whitley described Cuban’s arrival as a major milestone for the franchise, highlighting his business experience, championship background and charitable work. The Honey Badgers will open their season at the CAA Centre with home games against the Ottawa BlackJacks on Friday, May 15, and the Calgary Surge on Sunday, May 17.
