Majority of British Columbians want NBA team in Vancouver: poll

Recent surveys suggest that the majority of British Columbians would welcome the return of the NBA to Vancouver. Almost 60% of B.C. residents believe it would be a positive development, according to a poll by Research Co., while under 6% disagreed. Likewise, roughly one quarter of Metro Vancouver residents stated they would likely go to a game if the NBA relocated to Vancouver. Research Co.'s president Mario Canseco believes the data indicates a stronger enthusiasm for NBA basketball now compared to over 20 years ago when Vancouver had its own team, the Grizzlies.

Canseco credits the NBA's global expansion for this increased interest. The reintroduction of an NBA team to Vancouver has been a topic of discussion since last November when NBA commissioner Adam Silver identified Vancouver and Montreal as possible expansion destinations. This is particularly pertinent for Vancouver, which saw its original Grizzlies NBA franchise relocated to Memphis in 2001 after just six seasons. Demi Harris, who played basketball at university and professionally in Australia and New Zealand, supports the return of the NBA to Vancouver for creating opportunities for young athletes and for the sports excitement it would generate among local residents.

Harris is of the opinion that the presence of a professional team could inspire young basketball players in the region. Harris also expressed desire for a WNBA team to consider settling in Vancouver, as he believes it would provide role models for young female basketball players. Canseco suggests that while the public's interest in sustaining a team is evident, and could provide an economic uplift, the feasibility of the venture ultimately depends on someone's willingness to finance it.