The Halifax Hoopers have arrived, sparking change in the Nova Scotia sporting industry. This professional basketball team symbolizes a new chapter in the province’s sporting history. This article is going to explore the Halifax Hoopers and what this means for Nova Scotia and more specifically, Halifax.
In 2024, it was announced that the Halifax Hoopers were joining The Basketball League (a U.S.-based professional league). The season is now well underway, but the Halifax Hoopers don’t just mark the excitement of a new team but the return to professional basketball in the region.
A revival of pro basketball in Halifax
There hasn’t been a professional basketball team in Nova Scotia since 2021. This was when the Halifax Hurricanes suspended their operations due to a number of reasons, including financial hardship. The arrival of the Hoopers has brought a lot of excitement among sports fans and residents. The team was founded by Geoff Clyke and led by local sports legend Augy Jones.
Unlike many professional teams that rely on imported talent and big-city venues. The Hoopers have taken a different approach. There is a focus on finding local talent as well as their home games taking place at the Zatzman Sportsplex in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. This is a strategic decision that reinforces the team’s community-first approach while also helping to maintain lower overhead costs.
The Hooper’s performance so far
The 2025 season of The Basketball League (TBL) officially started on April 1st. The Halifax Hoopers have had an incredible start to their debut season. They currently boast a very impressive 14-game winning streak. Some noteworthy victories include their 114–77 rout of Port City Power and a 116–105 win over the Tri City Tide. Fans are impressed with the team’s chemistry and their offensive abilities.
Their incredible performance so far has caught the attention of sports bettors and oddsmakers too. As professional basketball returns to Nova Scotia, so does the opportunity for sports betting. Now that single-event sports betting has been legalized across Canada and now many fans are getting involved. They are being listed as favourites across a number of sportsbooks.
As the Hoopers and The Basketball League (TBL) continue to gain traction, more betting platforms like 1xBet are expanding their offerings with new and diverse betting markets, giving fans fresh opportunities to engage with the action. From game outcomes to player stats, these markets cater to both casual viewers and seasoned bettors. For those interested in exploring the latest odds or learning about available promotions, Oddspedia provides a comprehensive review of 1xBet, including details on its welcome bonus and other special offers, helping fans make informed choices while deepening their connection to the game.
Building a loyal fanbase
The Halifax Hoopers have very quickly won over the hearts in the stands. The team have already built a loyal following online and in person. They have managed to attract large crowds at the Zatzman Sportsplex. Additionally they are slowly starting to grow on social media too. This provides the team another platform to directly connect with fans and the community itself.
Many fans have also shown their support by purchasing merch, attending meet-and-greet events and even attending away games when they are able too. Building a strong fan base is important for the team’s long-term success. By creating an inclusive and engaging fan experience from the start. The Hoopers are laying the foundation for a lasting legacy in Canadian basketball.
TBL’s Canadian expansion
The Halifax Hoopers are one of the first Canadian franchises in The Basketball League. They join Port City Power from Saint John, New Brunswick. Both teams are part of the TBL’s North Atlantic Division. This setup has created new rivalries in the league and travel-friendly matchups for fans in Atlantic Canada. The league places a strong emphasis on community involvement, player development and business sustainability. These are strong values that run deep with the Hoopers.
Community at the core
What makes the Halifax Hoopers so special is their dedication to their community. Their efforts span from local tryouts to grassroots initiatives with Basketball Nova Scotia. Augy Jones has shared his commitment to making the Hoopers a team for the people, focusing on diversity, energy and talent in Halifax and its surrounding areas.
The team has plans for outreach programs which are expected to include youth camps, school visits and collaborations with local businesses and non-profits. These efforts aren’t just for marketing. It’s all part of building a franchise that feels like a local institution rather than a corporate entity.
Looking ahead
It’s still only the beginning for the Hoopers. But their future already looks bright. Their efforts so far have shown that they are going to have an incredible impact on TBL as well as the community in Nova Scotia, more specifically Halifax. Their incredible start to the season and debut in the league have already caused incredible excitement among fans. Especially as many local basketball enthusiasts have been waiting a long time for the return of professional basketball in the area.
Regardless of how passionate you are about basketball. The Halifax Hoopers offer an exciting opportunity to be part of something new. As they continue with the season one thing is clear and that is basketball is back in Halifax.
