May 27, 2025
The CEBL issue statement declaring the outdoor game a no contest, tickets transferable to a Montreal Alliance game at Verdun Auditorium
As promised, the CEBL have arrived at a conclusion following the inability to complete the first ever outdoor pro basketball game in Canada – and Montreal Alliance fans won’t like it one bit.
Due to a build up of condensation on the court, following a halftime concert by local rapper Fouki, and despite an incredible effort to keep the action going, the CEBL chose to stop the game siting the court being too slick and dangerous to continue playing on. While there is absolutely no doubt that this was the correct call to make, for the safety of the players, officials and even the audience, the historical night is something that many will remember for a long to come.
See Also: Alliance versus Blackjacks outdoor game postponed at halftime
However, the CEBL has declared the match a no contest, which surely won’t sit well with Montreal Alliance fans as their team was dominant the entirety of the first two quarters, and held a twenty-three point lead at the time of the games abandonment. The Alliance certainly deserved better than a no contest decision.
An official statement read as follow:
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) has officially declared the outdoor game played at IGA Stadium on Sunday, May 25, as a no contest due to floor conditions that forced the game to be paused at halftime.
As a result, no result will be recorded in the regular season standings at this time. If Eastern Conference playoff positioning is impacted by this result, the CEBL will consider an appropriate solution in consultation with both teams.
Despite this unexpected conclusion, Éclipse : Match sous les étoiles will forever be etched in history as the very first professional outdoor 5×5 basketball game in Canada. Before 9,305 enthusiastic spectators, we experienced an exceptional evening that transformed Stade IGA into a true spectacle under the stars. The energy of the crowd, the halftime performance, the commitment of our partners, and the impressive play of our players created an unforgettable atmosphere that goes far beyond a simple basketball game.
To thank you for your support during this historic evening, all ticket purchasers for the Éclipse game will receive an invitation to come back and see us for an Alliance regular season home game at Verdun Auditorium. This offer is valid for the 2025 season. An email with all details will be sent to purchasers within the next 72 hours.
Read More:
>> AFC Toronto hand the Montreal Roses their first home loss
>> Alliance take convincing win over Honey Badgers
>> CF Montreal destroyed by rival Toronto FC in the rain
Éclipse proved that Montréal deserves its place on the North American basketball map. Your unwavering support and massive presence made this evening a resounding success that will inspire the future of Canadian basketball. We look forward to seeing you back at Verdun Auditorium to continue this journey together.
Thank you for your understanding.
